FAR Eastern University charged past University of the East, 25-19, 25-15, 22-25, 25-16, for its fifth straight win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Just days after FEU clinched its first Final Four berth in five years, Chenie Tagaod sustained the Lady Tamaraws’ red-hot form with 21 points on 19 attacks, one block and one ace.
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FEU improved to 8-4 (win-loss) with the door still slightly open for a twice-to-beat spot. But the Lady Tamaraws need two losses from National University, University of Sto. Tomas or La Salle to stand a chance.
"Tonight, maganda naman ('yung naging performance namin). Nakuha namin 'yung gusto naming mangyari na manalo. Pero sa loob ng panalo, ano ba yung gusto naming mangyari? 'Yung sistema mas patibayin pa (bago mag-Final Four)," FEU head coach Manolo Refugia said.
The Lady Tamaraws were once three points away from a three-set victory, up 22-19. But UE super rookie Casiey Dongallo had other plans and fired a crucial chunk of her 17 markers in a late 6-0 run to force a fourth-set extension.
It was all FEU from there onwards as ace spikers Gerz Petallo (14 points) and Faida Bakanke (10 points) put the game away in Set 4 after a one-hour, 54-minute contest.
FEU lead playmaker Tin Ubaldo activated the Lady Tamaraws' offense with 21 excellent sets on top of Petallo's strong defensive efforts with 10 digs and four receptions.
Meanwhile, backing Dongallo's scoring exploits were Claire Castillo's 14 points and 10 more from Riza Nogales to pace the Lady Warriors' fourth straight loss and eighth in their last nine matches.
Still to come in FEU's last-gasp bid for a top two prelims finish and a twice-to-beat advantage are cellar-dwelling University of the Philippines and co-league leader NU to end the elimination round.
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