FAR Eastern U humbled University of the East yesterday 25-23, 25-17, 27-25 to clinch a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals of the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championship at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Lady Tamaraws, who bowed to College of St. Benilde in five sets for their lone loss so far, wasted no time bouncing back for a 5-1 card and a sure top-2 finish in Pool F.
Faida Bakanke hammered 14 points on 11 hits, two aces and a block while other players scored at least five points for FEU, which has to wait for the result of the crucial duel between St. Benilde and Adamson — with similar 4-1 cards — to determine its final placing.
Chenie Tagaod had eight while Florize Anne Papa, Kiesha Bedonia and Gerzel Petallo chipped in six points apiece. Mitzi Panangin and Alyzza Devosora added five points each as FEU needed only 87 minutes to win.
“It was a good game against CSB. Talagang breaks of the game lang. Siguro, binitbit lang namin ‘yung pagkatalo na ‘yun at nadala namin ‘yung mga lessons dito para makabawi sa mga pagkukulang namin,” said coach Manolo Refugia.
FEU swept Adamson, 25-20, 25-22, 25-20, before absorbing a close 19-25, 25-21, 15-25, 26-24, 17-19 loss at the hands of St. Benilde.
A 3-0 closeout in the first set gave the Lady Tamaraws a 25-23 comeback win before dominating the Lady Warriors in the second set for a commanding 2-0 lead.
FEU wasted a 20-15 lead in the clincher as Casiey Dongallo caught fire to anchor UE’s 9-4 rally to force a deuce at 24-all only for Bakanke and Panangin to come to the Lady Tamaraws’ rescue.
Panangin came up with a single block for a 26-25 FEU cushion as UE’s attack went out of bounds in the ensuing play for a gritty ender.
Dongallo had 23 points for UE (2-4), which settled for fourth place in Pool F and a twice-to-win handicap against reigning champion and unbeaten Pool A leader National U in the quarterfinals.
