ADAMSON University endured five grueling sets against Far Eastern University on Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan to complete the semifinal cast of the 76th UAAP women's volleyball tournament.
Bhebs Pineda led the flight of the Lady Falcons with 25 points as they turned back Far Eastern University, 25-17, 23-25, 23-25, 25-13, 15-11, in the playoffs for the last spot in the stepladder semifinals.
The Lady Falcons finally secured the No. 4 spot and will face third seed Ateneo de Manila in the first stage of the stepladder semifinals on Saturday.
The winner of that match will meet second seed National University, which holds a twice-to-beat advantage.
Three-time defending champion La Salle earned a thrice-to-beat edge in the finals after completing a sweep of the elimination round.
Mayeth Zapanta came up 14 points, Amanda Villanueva had 12 and Faye Guevarra chipped in with 11 for Adamson.
"Syempre maganda ang outcome kahit five sets ang mahalaga panalo at pasok na sa Final Four," said Adamson coach Sherwin Meneses.
The Lady Tams had an early 4-1 lead in the deciding set but the Lady Falcons went on a 5-2 mini run to tie the match at 6-all.
Zapanta, Pineda and Villanueva led the Adamson to a 14-10.
With 14-11 at the score board, Adamson began celebrating after the umpire called Gyselle Sy for a violation but officials overturned the ruling and ordered a replay of the point.
Villanueva made the win official by scoring on a spike that went straight through the blockers.
Rookie Bernadette Pons had 17 points for FEU, while Marie Simborio and Mary Palma added 10 markers apiece.
The Lady Tamaraws ended the season with a 6-8 win-loss card but coach Shaq de los Santos is still pleased with the result as he looks forward to working with the FEU squad, which will have an intact core for next season.
"Para sa akin ok naman, hindi pa mature pero 'yung potential nandoon na," said De los Santos. "Ok na ako doon ang goal ko lang matuto kami sa nangyari."
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