FEU Moves UP to the Edge of Elimination, Tightens Final Four Race

Far Eastern University dealt the University of the Philippines a major blow, pushing them to the brink of elimination with a 25-21, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22 victory, creating a three-way tie for third place in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

With the win, the Lady Tamaraws snapped a two-game losing streak and improved to 7-5, tying the Adamson Lady Falcons and the UST Golden Tigresses for third to fifth places, each with two matches left in the highly competitive Final Four race.

“Buhay pa,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak. “Actually, yung mindset talaga namin ‘this is our last match,’ as in lahat ng remaining games namin sobrang importante. Focus lang kami on how to recover from all the lapses—mentally, technically, and tactically. We’ll just continue.”

The match was tied at 18 in the fourth set when the Lady Tamaraws kept their composure in the closing stages. Clarisse Loresco, Alyzza Devosora, and Gerzel Petallo teamed up to push FEU to a 24-21 match point before Jelai Gajero answered with a crosscourt shot for UP.

Jazlyn Ellarina then secured the win with a quick push, giving FEU a much-needed victory after one hour and 59 minutes of play.

“Dapat hindi ako masatisfy sa ganitong galaw ko kasi alam kong meron pa akong kayang gawin and kaya ko pang angatan yun,” said Loresco, who had a career-high 17 points, including 10 attacks, four aces, and three blocks.

Devosora was also pivotal, contributing 12 points, 21 excellent receptions, and 12 excellent digs, while Ellarina and Faida Bakanke added nine points each. Tin Ubaldo finished with 22 excellent sets and five points, and Petallo delivered an all-around effort with nine points, 10 receptions, and seven digs.

FEU will return on Saturday for a crucial matchup against Adamson, again at the UST venue.

Meanwhile, UP dropped to 5-7 and is now one loss away from elimination. The Fighting Maroons will face Adamson on Wednesday at the same arena.

Niña Ytang led UP with 19 points, including 14 spikes, four blocks, and one ace, while Kianne Olango added 15 points and 12 receptions. Bienne Bansil also made a strong impact with 14 points, highlighted by seven blocks, and Gajero contributed 14 points and nine digs.

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