Far Eastern University swept University of the Philippines, 25-22, 25-19, 25-20, for a winning start in the second round of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament, Saturday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Lady Tamaraws returned to the win column at 4-4, still at fifth.
“Magandang balita ito. I mean, para sa team, magandang motivation yung win. And coming to the second round, yun talaga ang aim namin eh, yung win,” said first-year head coach Tina Salak as FEU is just trailing fourth-running University of Santo Tomas by a full game.
UP was just within two late in the second period, 18-20. But Tin Ubaldo and Jean Asis connected to give the Lady Tamaraws the commanding 2-0 lead, 25-19.
Asis proved to be the finisher in the third set as well as she took care of FEU’s final three points for the team’s first sweep this season.
Jovelyn Fernandez led the Lady Tamaraws with 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks, which she laced with nine excellent digs.
Chenie Tagaod had 10 points as well. Middle blockers Asis and Mitzi Panangin made eight and seven points, respectively, with the former doing it in just less than two sets of play.
Fighting Maroons captain Jewel Encarnacion delivered anew with 12 points, while Nina Ytang added 10 points of her own. Alyssa Bertolano was held to just three points.
UP has lost five in a row and the seventh overall in eight matches.
Up next for FEU though is the still-unscathed De La Salle University on Wednesday at SM Mall of Asia Arena. Meanwhile, UP will next meet defending champion National University next Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Watch the UAAP Season 85 Collegiate Volleyball Tournament on the UAAP Varsity Channel (Ch. 263 HD). Available on Prepaid Loads 300 & up (valid for 30 days).
