After falling short in the Finals last year, Far Eastern University gets another shot at the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge crown, dispatching the University of the East in straight sets, 25-20, 25-19, 25-21, in Game 2 of the semifinals at the Philsports Arena on Sunday.
The Lady Tamaraws, who lost to College of St. Benilde in last year’s gold medal series, had a roller-coaster campaign in the preliminaries, finishing third with a 3-3 record. However, they bounced back in the semifinals by sweeping their UAAP counterpart in the best-of-three series.
FEU took the first two frames with ease but nearly collapsed in the third, squandering a 16-8 advantage as Nahomie Mpata, Cassiey Dongallo, and Riza Nogales combined for a 6-2 rally that cut the lead to just two, 18-16.
Lovely Lopez made the most of her limited minutes, scoring two points in a three-to-nothing swing that restored order for the Lady Tamaraws at 21-16, allowing them to eventually secure the win after an hour and 25 minutes of play.
“Masaya though maraming lapses pero mabilis naming nagagawan ng paraan,” said FEU team captain Tin Ubaldo, who finished with 15 excellent sets to go along with six big points in the victory.
“Parang lahat ng errors, lahat ng miscues, mabilis namin siyang nata-translate sa point kaya happy kami kasi na-work out namin ‘yung things na kailangan naming i-work out nang ganun, mabilis,” she added.
Chenie Tagaod was the driving force of the Lady Tamaraws’ offense, finishing with a game-high 18 points on 12 attacks, three blocks, and three aces, along with 11 excellent digs.
Faida Bakanke contributed nine markers, while Jean Asis also added nine, built on eight attacks. Jaz Ellarina tallied seven points, three of which came from blocks.
(C) V-League Images
A scary moment unfolded for the Lady Tamaraws in the opening set.
With FEU leading 22-19, Gerzel Petallo attempted a tip but landed awkwardly, clutching her left knee in pain. The senior was quickly wheeled off the court and transported to the nearest medical facility for evaluation.
FEU will face the winner of the University of Sto. Tomas-College of St. Benilde semifinals series in the best-of-three finale on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
On the other hand, Dongallo led the way for the Lady Red Warriors with 13 points and eight excellent digs. No other player from UE breached the double-digit mark, with Kc Cepada and Mpata finishing with seven points each, while Kayce Balingit and Nogales contributed six points apiece.
The Lady Red Warriors will take on the loser between the Golden Tigresses and the Lady Blazers in the bronze match, also on Sunday at 12:00 p.m.
