The Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws easily swept the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-13, 25-18, 25-21, Wednesday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.
FEU started the match strong, jumping to an 8-2 early on after a Heather Guino-o kill. Maintaining their lead, the Lady Tams then went on an offensive barrage at the tail end of the set, as a 7-1 run capped by a Bernadeth Pons off speed kill ended the set for FEU.
FEU blitzed UE at the beginning of the second set, going on a 3-0 run to take an early lead. UE countered back, as Ann Bendong led a 5-1 run to take a slim 5-4 lead for UE. UE eventually went on another streak, notching five straight points for a 12-9 lead as FEU struggled to get their offense going.
UE were unable to keep the pressure on the FEU defense, committing consecutive errors that allowed the Lady Tamaraws to recover. FEU, led by Pons, then went on a 7-0 run as they bombarded the UE defenders with different attacks. It was UE’s turn to fumble this time, and as they were unable to mount decent attacks, they eventually surrendered the second set to FEU, 25-18.
FEU continued their onslaught coming into the third set. Jeanette Villareal quickly scored off the block followed by a quick attack to get the FEU offense going. It wasn’t long until the Lady Tamaraws found themselves ahead, 8-1. FEU didn’t relent, leading by as many as ten poits, 15-5, after a Jerrili Malabanan kill. The Lady Warriors attempted a comeback, cutting the deficit to 3, 24-21, but a Remy Palma quick attack ended the match for FEU.
With his team battling for a chance to make the Final Four, FEU coach Shaq Delos Santos was grateful for the win.
“Thankful kami kasi nakakuha kami ng panalo na nakadagdag sa ranking namin.”
FEU overwhelmed UE offensively, scoring 43 points off spikes compared to UE’s 22.
Pons led the way offensively for the Lady Tams, scoring 19 points, 18 off of attacks and serving up an ace. Basas and Malabanan pitched in 9 and 8 points respectively.
Shaya Adorador was the lone UE player to score in double-digits with 11. Judith Abil also contributed 7 points, and team captain Celine Domingo chipped in 4.
FEU next face the defending champions on Sunday, 4pm at the Filoil Flying V Centre. UE have a match against the National University on the same day at 2pm.
The scores:
FEU (3) – Pons 19, Basas 9, Malabanan 8, Palma 5, Guino-o 4, Villareal 3, Sy 1, Atienza L, Duremdes L.
UE (0) – Adorador 11, Abil 7, Domingo 4, Bendong 3, Mendrez 2, Disquitado 2, Arado L.
