Far Eastern University hosted a block party to close the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball first round with back-to-back wins after downing Ateneo de Manila University, 25-22, 22-25, 25-13, 25-21, on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Tamaraws, who previously defeated Adamson University, rose to 4-3 for solo hold of the fourth spot entering the second round.
“Doon sa 15 blocks na yun, yun talaga yung pinractice namin at pinag-aralan namin na dapat naming gawin kapag kalaban ang Ateneo kasi mostly ang technical nila matataas yung bola so kailangan namin ng timing. Yung pinag-aralan namin lumabas naman,” said FEU head coach Manolo Refugia on their season-high 15 blocks.
University of Santo Tomas topped the first round with a perfect 7-0 record, while defending champion La Salle and National University are not far behind with 6-1 and 5-2 slates, respectively.
After giving up the second frame to the Blue Eagles, the Lady Tamaraws rediscovered their fight and routed their foes in the third, 25-13.
Through the efforts of Lyann De Guzman and Zey Pacia, Ateneo slashed the gap to two late in the fourth, 20-22, but Gerzel Petallo and Faida Bakanke connected for the FEU victory in two hours.
“Masaya na number four kami pero round one pa lang po, hindi po kami nagmamadali. Iniisip pa po namin kung paano namin malelevel up yung game namin sa second round,” said Tin Ubaldo, who tossed 15 excellent sets to go with four attacks and two blocks.
Chenie Tagaod top-scored for the Tamaraws with 18 points she laced with 13 receptions and 10 digs, while Bakanke and Petallo had team-best four blocks each on their way to 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Jean Asis also finished with 12 points on nine attacks, two blocks, and a service ace.
The Blue Eagles fell to a tie with the Lady Falcons for fifth to sixth places at 2-5.
De Guzman scored 14 in the losing cause while also getting 16 digs and 14 receptions. Sobe Buena and Geezel Tsunashima also chimed in 11 points apiece for Ateneo.
