Jean Asis went on a rampage in the deciding set as Far Eastern University completed the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Final Four cast with a stunning upset of University of Santo Tomas, 19-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10, in a thrilling rivalry match late Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The Lady Tamaraws rose to 7-4, sealing their return to the semifinals after three seasons.
With the Golden Tigresses ahead in the fifth, 7-6, Asis turned on the jets and scored four in the FEU’s five straight points to shift the momentum on their side all the way to the win in two hours and 42 minutes.
“Napakasarap ng feeling kasi yun ngang glory days ng FEU ay parang pilit naming ibinabalik at ngayon nandito na kami sa Final Four,” said Manolo Refugia, who steered the Lady Tamaraws to the postseason in his first season as the head coach. “Masaya pero hindi pa natatapos yung trabaho. Nandito na rin kami edi mangarap na kami ng sobra sobra pa.”
FEU also ended its seven-game skid against UST, winning for the first time since March 2, 2019 in the first round of Season 81, a 19-25, 25-19, 25-20, 27-25 victory.
The Lady Tamaraws, who won their 29th and most recent title in 2008, have started their journey to make more history by reaching the Final Four which they last achieved in 2019.
FEU joined UST, La Salle, and National University.
Faida Bakanke continued her emergence for the Lady Tamaraws, resetting her career-high to 21 points spread through 15 spikes, four blocks, and two service aces.
Asis posted 16 points on 13 spikes, two blocks, and an ace, as FEU capitalized on UST’s 36 whopping errors.
“Sobrang laki talaga ng panalong ito for us kasi gusto talaga namin bumawi eh. Parang gusto namin ipakita na after ng loss namin sa first round, kaya naming bumawi sa second round at yun talaga ang pinaghandaan namin,” said Asis, recalling their 25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 7-15 heartbreak in the first round.
The Golden Tigresses meanwhile absorbed their second loss in four games, slipping to 10-2 but still at the top of the ladder.
Angge Poyos, who missed last game due to dehydration, was in and out of the game from the fourth frame up until the end. She still ended up with a team-high 20 points on 14 attacks, four aces, and two blocks.
Regina Jurado added 15 points while Jonna Perdido produced 12 points and 12 digs.
Both teams’ next assignment will be University of the East on different days.
FEU will face the Lady Warriors on Wednesday while UST will face them on April 21. Both will be at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
