FEU Stays in Final Four Race with Thrilling Five-Set Win Over Ateneo

UAAP Far Eastern University managed to keep its Final Four aspirations alive, battling back to defeat Ateneo de Manila University, 22-25, 23-25, 25-12, 25-21, 15-10, in a dramatic five-set match on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the victory, the Lady Tamaraws wrapped up the elimination round with an 8-6 record, now hoping for a favor from the NU Lady Bulldogs in their ongoing match against the UST Golden Tigresses. As of press time, an NU win would tie UST and FEU at 8-6, setting up a playoff for the last Final Four spot on Saturday at the Big Dome. A UST win, however, would officially eliminate FEU from contention.

“Our game plan didn’t work in the first set, but we learned from those first two sets. Someone needed to step up and take responsibility for what the seniors left behind,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak.

The win marked FEU’s eighth straight victory over Ateneo since Season 85 (2023), although the streak was in jeopardy after Ateneo surged to a two-set lead, thanks to standout performances from KC Cortez.

However, the Lady Tamaraws regrouped, showing resilience and determination, leveling the match before clinching the final set. In the fifth and deciding frame, Ateneo handed the match to FEU with three crucial errors, while Melody Pons and Clarisse Loresco each scored a point to seal a 15-10 victory after two hours and 21 minutes of intense play.

"We just focused on the mindset of starting from zero, because the match wasn’t over after the second set. We knew we had to come back with more heart," said FEU captain Gerzel Petallo, who finished with 17 points, 16 digs, and 11 receptions.

Lovely Lopez added 13 points and 26 receptions, while Kyle Pendon contributed another 13 points, including five attacks, six blocks, and two aces off the bench. Loresco added 10 points, and libero Marga Encarnacion capped a stellar elimination round with 15 digs and 12 receptions. Despite being injured, Tin Ubaldo delivered 22 excellent sets and contributed two blocks.

For Ateneo, Dona De Leon stood out with 15 points, including 11 attacks and four blocks, while JLo Delos Santos added 12 points, 11 digs, and seven receptions. Rookie Ana Hermosura also chipped in 10 points, along with 12 receptions and nine digs.

Ateneo’s setter, Taks Fujimoto, has played her final match for the Blue Eagles, and head coach Sergio Veloso confirmed that he will not return next season. With a 2-12 record, Ateneo ended the season in seventh place, marking its worst finish in the Final Four era.