The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws kept the lowly University of the East Lady Red Warriors in the cellar, 25-20, 25-17, 24-26, 25-21, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
FEU outclassed UE — who just lost their head coach Francis Vicente yesterday — in the first two sets, avoiding a late meltdown in the first set and taking the second frame decisively. The Lady Tamaraws, however, could not prevent their third-set collapse, as UE came alive behind Me-Ann Mendrez to steal the third frame.
Mendrez again kept the Lady Warriors afloat, scoring three times in a run that brought her team from a 3-8 hole to a 10-all deadlock. But the Lady Tamaraws eventually wore down the feisty Lady Warriors, grabbing a 19-15 lead and never looking back.
“Medyo mabait pa kasi ‘yung mga players ko, namimigay pa ng puntos sa kalaban,” criticized FEU head coach George Pascua as his team gave up 33 errors.
“Mahigit isang set ang binigay namin sa kanila, so mahirap talaga manalo pag ganoon. Kailangan namin ma-address ‘yun,” the FEU great added.
Graduating team captain Bernadeth Pons led the Lady Tamaraws with 21 points, while former Lady Warrior Celine Domingo tallied a career-high 19 markers.
Me-Ann Mendrez topped a season-high 21 markers. Shaya Adorador added 18 points.
FEU (3-2) take on the league-leading National University Lady Bulldogs (5-0) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. UE (0-6) are gunning to end their 13-game losing streak against the skidding Adamson University Lady Falcons (2-3) on March 4.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Pons 21, Domingo 19, Basas 12, Guino-o 12, Villareal 8, Negrito 4, Malabanan 2, Carandang 1, Hernandez 1, Cayuna 0, Atienza (L)
UE (1) – Mendrez 21, Adorador 18, Abil 4, Catindig 3, Rodriguez 3, Baliton 1, Bendong 1, Olarve 1, Manabat 0, Arado (L)
