Needing to win all of their remaining matches to make the Final Four, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws nailed the University of the East Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-14, 25-18, 27-25, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After cruising in the first two sets, the Lady Tamaraws hit a snag in the third. FEU let a 21-18 lead slip and allowed UE to take a 24-22 lead. Thanks to UE miscues, however, FEU saved two set points before taking the match as two UE attacks careened to the bleachers.
“Siyempre, we’re happy about the win, pero kita naman na malaki ‘yung room for improvement namin as a team,” said FEU head coach Shaq Delos Santos.
“Very aware ang team namin sa situwasyon namin na kailangan namin talaga ipanalo ‘yung last games namin. Siyempre, mahirap. Pero sanay na kami sa ganyan. Alam na nang mga bata ‘yung kailangan na trabaho para makaabot sa Final Four.”
Sophomore middle blocker Jeanette Villareal and veteran winger Bernadeth Pons led FEU with 11 points apiece. While UE kept pace with FEU in the scoring skils, the Lady Warriors surrendered 33 errors to FEU’s 23.
FEU (6-6) have two must-win games remaining, starting with the National University (7-5) on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Shaya Adorador paced UE with 11 markers.
UE take on the De La Salle University Lady Spikers (9-2), also on Saturday.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Pons 11, Villareal 11, Palma 9, Basas 5, Agudo 4, Cayuna 3, Negrito 1, Atienza 0, Hernandez 0, Duremdes (L)
UE (0) – Adorador 11, Dacaymat 8, Abil 6, Bendong 3, Baliton 2, Alcayde 1, Gabrada 1, Mendrez 1, Rodriguez 1, Catindig 0, Arado (L)
