The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws received a momentary breather from the tight race for the last two spots in the UAAP Season 78 Women’s Volleyball Final Four race after inching past the National University Lady Bulldogs, 27-25, 25-17, 22-25, 26-28, 15-10, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Lady Bulldogs mounted an early rally that netted them a five-point lead, 16-11, in the opening set. FEU slowly nibbled at the deficit through tireless defense and smart serving. FEU trimmed the lead down to two, 18-16, forcing an NU timeout. Myla Pablo and Jaja Santiago unleashed back-to-back hits to extend the lead back to four but the Lady Tamaraws remained on their tails. NU stumbled to a 24-22 lead, before Jorelle Singh shot long and Pons converted a hit to force a deuce. Heather Guino-O clinched the set through her serving, setting up Remy Palma’s set-clinching running hit.
The Jhocson Street-based squad collapsed much earlier in the second set. With their reception going down the toilet, NU saw their 12-9 lead turn into a 12-19 deficit, as Kyle Negrito dropped bombs from the service line. Jerrili Malabanan, Remy Palma, and Bernadeth Pons put the finishing touches on a lopsided frame.
NU did a much better job protecting their lead in the third set, creating a 3-point advantage and staving off a late FEU rally. The Lady Bulldogs then build a 12-6 advantage in the fourth set only to see it dwindle once again. Bernadeth Pons led a furious Tamaraw rally that tied the set ar 23. NU libero, Bia General injured her right elbow while trying to save FEU’s 23rd point as Jasmine Nabor landed on her arm. Shaq delos Santos’ squad forced a deuce but eventually gave out to NU’s forceful endgame attack.
But the Lady Bulldogs seemed to have lost all their spirit by the final set. FEU managed to create opportunities from their defensive plays and took an 11-7 lead. The Roger Gorayeb-mentored squad managed to keep pace as FEU gave away errors and Jaja Santiago rotated to the front row. Toni Basas’ clutch kill and a Santiago net touch brought the Lady Tamaraws the much-needed win.
Bernadeth Pons put together a career-game with 30 points on 27 for 60 attacking. Opposite hitter Toni Basas pitched in 21 markers, while second-year winger Jerrili Malabanan contributed a career-high 20 points.
“Happy kami sa nilaro ng mga bata kaso, ayoon nga, sayang pa rin kasi hindi namin natapos in straight sets,” said FEU head coach Shaq Delos Santos. “Still, nakapagrespond pa rin ‘yung mga bata. Ganoon din naman ang hahanapin mo sa team kapag nagkakagipitan na.”
Jaja Santiago also tallied a career-high with 28 points on 22 for 35 attacking. Skipper Myla Pablo added 17 points, while Jorelle Singh managed nine.
The Lady Bulldogs failed to take advantage of the 41 errors FEU allowed, as their ball control and court awareness had been spotty the entire match.
FEU swept the season series with NU and now have a 6-5 record, keeping them in pace with the University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas. NU slump to 5-6.
The Lady Tamaraws will next face the UST Tigresses on Wednesday, March 30 at the Filoil Flying V Arena. In the second game of that day, the Lady Bulldogs will look to bounce back as they face the UP Lady Maroons.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Pons 30, Basas 21, Malabanan 20, Palma 13, Villareal 4, Guino-O 2, Negrito 1, Sy 1, Hernandez 0, Dionela 0, Duremdes (L), Atienza (L)
NU (2) – Santiago 28, Pablo 17, Singh 9, Nabor 6, Doria 2, Diolan 1, Soliven 1, Perez 0, General (L), Valdez (L)
