Far Eastern University created more breathing room in the fourth spot by outlasting closest pursuer Ateneo de Manila University, 19-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday.
The Lady Tamaraws now possess a 5-4 record, 2.5 games ahead of the Blue Eagles, who slid to 3-7 at fifth.
With FEU’s win, De La Salle University and National University have clinched their tickets to the Final Four, leaving one last slot available.
“Proud ako kasi yung pinag-aralan namin, although may lapses, pero natrabaho pa rin talaga yung ginawa namin nung break,” said Lady Tams head coach Manolo Refugia.
The Blue Eagles were eager to extend it to a fifth set by opening up an 8-3 lead early in the fourth but through Chenie Tagaod, Gerzel Petallo, and Jean Asis, FEU was able to overhaul that hole into their favor.
With the Lady Tamaraws at match point, 24-20, Ateneo managed to slice it to two with an error from its foes and an ace by JLo Delos Santos.
However, in the ensuing play, the Blue Eagles committed an error by allowing the ball to drop between them for the FEU win in two hours and 11 minutes.
Congo’s Faida Bakanke and Tagaod led the Lady Tamaraws with 16 points each while Petallo followed with 15. Asis also had 11 in the win.
FEU looks to solidify its hold of the fourth when it battles Adamson University on Tuesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Lyann De Guzman spearheaded the Blue Eagles with 15 points, 17 digs, and eight receptions, while Sobe Buena chipped in 14 points.
Geezel Tsunashima also supplied 12 points in the loss while AC Miner got 11.
Ateneo will resume its chase for a Final Four spot on Wednesday against the streaking National University at the same Pasay venue.
