Far Eastern University showcased its depth and composure, sweeping University of the East, 25-20, 25-20, 25-23, to claim the provisional second spot in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, Wednesday night.
The Lady Tamaraws improved to 6-3, securing solo second place — just two games behind the NU Lady Bulldogs (8-1), who suffered their first loss earlier in the day against the UP Fighting Maroons.
Powerhouse teams De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas are close behind at 5-3, currently in third and fourth place, respectively. The two squads will face off on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Despite the sweep, FEU head coach Tina Salak acknowledged the Lady Warriors’ tenacity, particularly in the second and third sets.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Expected naman na lalaban ang UE kasi hindi naman nababago ang spirit ng UE pagdating sa games. Eventually, nagkakaroon naman kami ng adjustments, nakakasunod naman ang players. Sa game, nakuha naman namin yung gusto naming win, but siyempre may opportunities pa rin na nami-miss namin,” said Salak.
Similar to the second set, UE came out strong in the third, building a 13-8 lead. However, FEU’s depth and composure once again allowed them to regain control, closing out the match in straight sets after 94 minutes.
UE stayed within striking distance in the second frame at 19-21, but Jazlyn Ellarina stepped up, scoring three of FEU’s last four points to secure the 25-20 win.
In the third set, Khy Cepada and Van Bangayan kept UE in the fight, pulling even at 23-all, but Gerzel Petallo and Chenie Tagaod delivered back-to-back kills to seal the victory for the Lady Tamaraws.
“Ako po kasi, since day one, tiwala talaga sa sistema kasi laging sinasabi ni coach na kapag gumawa ka ng sarili mong diskarte na wala sa sistema, mawawala ka eh. So ibinabalik lang namin yung sarili namin sa pinag-ensayuhan namin and everything will follow,” said Ellarina, who led all scorers with 17 points built on 12 attacks, three aces, and two blocks.
Petallo and Tagaod added 15 points each, with Petallo contributing 15 digs and eight receptions, while Tagaod tallied 11 receptions.
Rookie setter Karyll Miranda also made an impact off the bench, dishing out 17 excellent sets in the victory.
FEU will next face a reeling NU squad on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, UE remains winless after nine outings and is now on the brink of elimination.
The Lady Warriors will try to salvage their campaign when they take on a surging UP team on Sunday at the Big Dome.
Cepada finished with 13 points, 11 digs, and eight receptions, while Bangayan chipped in 10 points. Lone libero Angelica Reyes also stood out with 17 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.
