GAMES WEDNESDAY
(PhilSports Arena)
1 p.m. – UE vs. NU
3 p.m. – Ateneo vs. FEU
FAR Eastern University boosted its Final Four chances in the 87th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament yesterday by scoring a 25-21, 25-16, 14-25, 26-24 win over University of the Philippines at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Opposite spiker Faida Bakanke led the scoring load with 20 points on 17 attacks, three blocks, and saved seven digs while Gerzel Petallo had a triple-double of 14 markers, 13 excellent receptions and 10 digs as the Lady Tamaraws avenged their first-round defeat to the Lady Maroons.
Veteran spiker Chen Tagaod also provided offense and defense with 14 points and 18 excellent receptions while playmaker Tin Ubaldo tossed 17 excellent sets to go with five points as FEU improved to 7-4 in a tie with UST. UP absorbed its sixth defeat against five wins.
The Morayta-based crew returned to the win column after recovering from a four-setter heartbreak last week against the defending champion National University 25-22 24-26 26-24 25-18.
The Lady Tamaraws displayed their explosive attacks with a team total of 56 points and dominated the net with 11 kill blocks.
“Parang akong nanonood ng action, biglang drama, biglang mahirap para sa amin ma-maintain iyong lead pero nakita ko iyong maturity ng mga players kung paano namin i-handle iyong behind four points. so very happy nagkaroon kami ng turnarlund,” said FEU mentor Tina Salak.
With FEU’s triumph, Bella Belen and the reigning champion National U clinched the first Final Four ticket.
Kianne Olango, Joan Monares and Irah Jaboneta led the Fighting Maroons with 13 points apiece as the latter also had 14 excellent receptions and caught nine digs in the losing effort.
