After a disheartening five-set loss last Wednesday, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws got back on track a four-set over the winless University of the East Lady Warriors 25-18, 25-22, 25-27, 25-11 in the UAAP Season 79 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Tams opened the match by pounding UE’s serve reception. The Lady Warriors managed to stay within a point but later slid to an insurmountable 8-14 lead. The second set was a closer affair with UE holding a slim one-point advantage, 18-17, before the Lady Tams took over. After hits from Bernadeth Pons and UE errors, FEU built a permanent three-point cushion, 21-18. The Lady Tams avoided a deuce thanks to solid blocking.
After breaking an 11-all tie, FEU established a 15-12 gap, then got back on top, 23-20, before UE made match-saving rally, taking 24-23 lead thanks to FEU’s errors. The Lady Tams had two cracks at ending the match but squandered both of them, allowing UE to take the set after a Pons attack went long and an Adorador off-the-block hit.
Responding to coach Shaq Delos Santos’ silence, the Lady Tamaraws mustered a finishing push. After taking a 8-2 lead, the Lady Tams never looked back.
“Siguro talagang marami pa kaming pagkukulang as a yeam which is I think karamiham mental. Minsan nagkukulang sa drive, sa willingness manalo,” said Delos Santos.
“Hopefully, maremedyohan namin sa mga susunod na laban. Matagal pa ang season. Marami pa kaming magiging challenges.”
Pons struggled with her attack errors but still pitched in 17 points along with 18 digs and nine excellent receptions on 17 attempts. Jerrilli Malabanan was deadly with 15 points on 11-for-21 attacking.
FEU (2-2) takes on the league-leading National University Lady Bulldogs (3-0) next Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Skipper Shaya Adorador led UE with 12 points while Mary Anne Mendrez added 10.
UE (0-4) faces the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles (2-1) on Wednesday also at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Pons 17, Malabanan 15, Palma 9, Guino-O 8, Villareal 5, Cayuna 4, Negrito 1, Hernandez 0, Carandag 0, Duremdes (L)
UE (1) – Adorador 12, Mendrez 10, Abil 6, Rodriguez 4, Alcayde 3, Dacaymat 2, Baliton 1, Catindig 1, Sta. Maria 1, Bendong 0, Clavano 0, Arado (L)
