Far Eastern University pushed the University of the Philippines to the brink of elimination with a 25-21, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22 win, creating a three-way tie for third in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
After snapping a two-game skid, the Lady Tamaraws improved to 7-5, tying the Adamson Lady Falcons and the UST Golden Tigresses for third to fifth places with two matches remaining each in the tight Final Four race.
“Buhay pa,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak. “Actually, yung mindset talaga namin ‘this is our last match’, as in lahat ng remaining games namin sobrang importante. Focus lang kami how to recover sa lahat ng lapses mentally, some technical, and tactical. Iko-continue lang namin.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Knotted at 18 in the fourth set, the Lady Tamaraws showed steadier nerves down the stretch.
Clarisse Loresco, Alyzza Devosora, and Gerzel Petallo teamed up to push FEU to a 24-21 match point before Jelai Gajero answered for UP with a crosscourt shot.
Jazlyn Ellarina then sealed the match with a quick push, clinching a much-needed win in one hour and 59 minutes.
“Dapat hindi ako masatisfy sa ganitong galaw ko kasi alam kong meron pa akong kayang gawin and kaya ko pang angatan yun,” said Loresco, who delivered a career-high 17 points on 10 attacks, four aces, and three blocks.
Devosora also came up big with 12 points, 21 excellent receptions, and 12 excellent digs, while Ellarina and Faida Bakanke added nine points each.
Tin Ubaldo tallied 22 excellent sets and five points, while Petallo also turned in an all-around performance with nine points, 10 receptions, and seven digs.
FEU will return on Saturday for a crucial matchup against Adamson, still at the UST venue.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons dropped to 5-7 and are now one loss away from elimination. They will also face the Lady Falcons on Wednesday at the same arena.
Niña Ytang led UP with 19 points on 14 spikes, four blocks, and one ace, while Kianne Olango followed with 15 points and 12 receptions.
Bienne Bansil also stood out with 14 points built on seven blocks, while Gajero added 14 points and nine digs.
