Bella Belen conceded that Far Eastern University was simply the better team, and her National University did not perform as expected from a top seed.
The Lady Tamaraws dominated, securing a 25-23, 25-17, 25-23 victory over the Lady Bulldogs.
The victory effectively nullified the latter’s twice-to-beat advantage at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Saturday night.
Belen was the lone NU player in double digits with 12 points, alongside six receptions and six digs. And she offered no excuses after the match.
“Maganda po yung pinakita ng FEU. Talagang na-outsmart po nila kami,” said Belen, the Season 84 MVP.
The Lady Tamaraws executed a perfectly balanced offense, with Chenie Tagaod leading with 12 points. Middle blockers Jean Asis and Mitzi Panangin chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Faida Bakanke contributed eight points.
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Tin Ubaldo provided 16 excellent sets while contributing six points on four attacks, a block, and an ace.
In addition to their firepower, FEU capitalized on NU’s 25 errors.
Belen also acknowledged their shortcomings, recognizing their lack of urgency to finish the series promptly, despite having a safety net with the twice-to-beat advantage.
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Meron kasi talaga akong feeling kagabi pa lang na baka ma-relax kami kasi tinalo namin yung FEU nung elimination round. So lagi ko silang nire-remind na huwag dapat kami makampante,” shared Belen.
“Kasi yun nga, twice-to-beat kami pero hindi na dapat namin paabutin sa do-or-die. Katulad ngayon, umabot na po, so wala na kaming magagawa.”
With the rubber match set for Wednesday and their backs now against the wall, Belen emphasized that her team needs to give their all to advance to the Finals.
“Do-or-die na po eh. Wala na pong uurungan. Kung matalo man kami, wala na; kung manalo kami, pasok kami sa Finals. So kailangan namin ibigay lahat, ibuhos na namin lahat kasi wala naman pong magagawa kung gawin namin yung 100 percent effort namin,” said the third-year outside spiker.
