MAKE it a hat-trick of victories to propel Far Eastern University’s turnaround.
After opening the season with two losses in their first three games, the Lady Tamaraws have now strung together three straight victories, the latest a 25-13, 25-21, 25-16 triumph over the University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Fighting Maroons once again found themselves in familiar territory, dropping the first two sets for the third straight game and staring at another potential reverse sweep.
This time, however, FEU made sure there were no encores for State U.
Unlike Ateneo and National U, who both fell victim to UP’s comeback magic, the green-and-gold held its ground to close out the contest and improve to 4-2.
"Napaka-special ng araw na 'to for the FEU community, bringing another win against UP because alam naman natin na they won du'n against sa NU, at nagkaroon kami ng magandang run sa NU na hindi namin nakuha," said head coach Tina Salak.
"It's a good lesson for us to continue 'yung ganitong momentum at kung gaano kami ka-passionate sa games."
FEU charge
The Lady Tamaraws seized control early, bursting out with a 12-4 run that stretched into a game-high 20-8 lead in the opening set.
The maroon-and-green tried to keep the frame alive, saving three set points through clutch plays from Casiey Dongallo and Fina Ali. But a Joan Monares attack error eventually handed FEU a commanding first set W.
UP's woes deepened when Dongallo took a bad fall late in Set 1, hurting her left knee and forcing her to sit out the remainder of the match.
The Fighting Maroons attempted to regroup in the second frame, but the Lady Tams had answers once again.
Outside hitter Alyssa Devosora delivered the timely blows, firing an attack and an ace that helped FEU stretch its advantage and move two sets ahead, never letting go of the momentum.
Devosora finished with a team-high 15 points to lead the Lady Tamaraws, supported by Gerz Petallo’s all-around effort of 10 points, eight digs, and eight receptions. Cla Loresco anchored the middle with 11 points highlighted by four blocks.
UP, meanwhile, struggled to generate offense without Dongallo.
Monares led the Fighting Maroons with eight points, while Kianne Olango added six points and five digs. Senior middle blocker Nina Ytang also chipped in six markers in the loss.
For UP, the loss marked only its second defeat in five games, keeping it well within the hunt for a Final Four berth.
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