FAR Eastern University thwarted College of Saint Benilde’s comeback bid to secure its fourth straight victory, outlasting the Lady Blazers in five grueling sets 25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 24-26, 15-8 yesterday in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
Fresh from a nail-biting five-setter against the Arellano University Lady Chiefs just the day before, the Lady Tamaraws once again showed poise under pressure.
Rallying behind the powerful duo of Faida Bakanke and Jaz Ellarina, FEU proved its resilience against the reigning NCAA champions, further fueling their redemption drive in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Bakanke led the charge with 22 points built on 17 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Ellarina remained steady with 21 points, tallying 15 attacks and six blocks, as FEU improved to a 4-1 win-loss record at the tournament’s midway mark.
Benilde, which started the tournament with a perfect 3-0 slate, dropped its second straight match to fall to 3-2, settling in third place.
“Nag-matter talaga dito ‘yung consistency and composure. Though pagod kami from last game kasi gabi na kami natapos tapos ito morning [game], parang hindi namin pwedeng excuse na pagod kami ulit. ‘Yung may control talaga ng sarili namin is kami, kung paano kami gagalaw,” said Lady Tamaraws team captain Tin Ubaldo.
“Actually, hindi namin sila tinitingnan as NCAA team ‘lang’ kasi lahat feel namin magkaka-level dito. Galing ‘man sa NCAA or UAAP, same lang. Nag-ttraining din kaming lahat at magagaling din sila sa NCAA,” she added.
Earlier, Letran survived a tight second set to complete a 25-19, 25-23, 25-18 sweep of winless Mapua University, securing its second straight victory.
