University of Santo Tomas Overcomes FEU in Crucial UAAP Women's Volleyball Match to Tighten Final Four Race

University of Santo Tomas (UST) bounced back from a third-set slip to defeat Far Eastern University (FEU), 25-17, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17, on Sunday at the Quadricentennial Pavilion, tightening the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Final Four race.

With the win, the Golden Tigresses joined FEU and Adamson University in a three-way tie for third to fifth place, each holding a 6-4 record.

UST's deputy coach, Yani Fernandez, acknowledged the importance of the victory in the tightly contested standings: “The complications of the standings, malaking bagay para sa amin itong panalong ito. Ito yung band-aid solution namin sa standing sa ngayon. Lagi lang namin sinasabi sa players na move forward lang kasi wala nang magagawa sa past results.”

UST also accomplished a significant feat by sweeping FEU in their elimination-round head-to-head, marking their first such victory over the Lady Tamaraws since Season 85.

The match had its tense moments, particularly in the third set, when UST led 12-9 but fell victim to four consecutive errors that allowed Faida Bakanke and Alyzza Devosora to lead FEU on a 7-0 run. This momentum shift resulted in a 25-18 third-set win for the Lady Tamaraws.

However, the Golden Tigresses bounced back in the fourth set. With a 20-12 lead, they never looked back and maintained their advantage to secure the win in one hour and 58 minutes.

This victory was particularly sweet for UST, who had been swept by FEU last season but returned the favor this year after also winning their first-round matchup (25-17, 25-18, 25-20).

Jonna Perdido, one of the standout players, summed up the team’s determination: “Sobrang saya kasi nakuha namin yung panalo. Motivated kami coming into this game. Hindi naging madali pero nagtulungan kami para makuha ‘yung game.” Perdido scored 10 points, contributing 11 receptions and four digs in the process.

UST’s Poyos led the team with 18 points, adding seven digs and five receptions, while Regina Jurado finished with 16 points and six digs. Avril Bron contributed 10 points and four blocks, and Detdet Pepito was instrumental on defense, tallying 21 excellent digs and six receptions.

Looking ahead, UST will try to build momentum when they face University of the East on Easter Sunday at their home arena.

On the other side, FEU struggled with spiking efficiency, despite Faida Bakanke leading the team with 13 points. Lovely Lopez and Devosora added 11 and 7 points, respectively, but both players struggled with their attacks—Bakanke going 9-of-46, Lopez at 9-of-40, and Devosora finishing 6-of-31. After missing the chance to follow up last week’s win over defending champions National University, FEU will now look to bounce back on April 8 against unbeaten De La Salle University at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.