THIS jostling for Final Four positions just keeps getting fierier and fiercer.
Far Eastern University forced a three-way tie for third with a 25-21, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22 triumph over very game University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
With two games left, the Lady Tamaraws, Adamson, and University of Santo Tomas are all entangled at 7-5, with two playoff berths still hanging in the balance.
Cla Loresco put up a career-high 17 points as a middle blocker, built on 10 attacks, four blocks, and three aces, while Aly Devosora also dished out a triple-double of 12 points, 21 receptions and 12 digs.
Jaz Ellarina and Faida Bakanke turned in nine points each, alongside captain Gerz Petallo's own nine-piece backed by seven digs and 10 receptions.
Fighting off the UP Fight
Just as the Fighting Maroons threatened late in the opening set, back-to-back errors from Jelai Gajero and Irah Jaboneta handed FEU the early edge.
Jaboneta atoned in the second, pushing State U to set point before Kianne Olango sealed the deal to level the match, even as the green-and-gold benefitted from their 10 errors in the frame.
Petallo then took over in Set 3, capitalizing on the maroon-and-green's shaky defense to restore her side's lead.
The Lady Tams' skipper had the likes of Loresco and Ellarina back her up to fend off one last UP fight in the fourth set, while also scoring their last two points to keep their Final Four push charging on.
Four Fighting Maroons hit double-figures, led by Nina Ytang's 19 points built on 14 attacks, four blocks, and one ace.
Olango’s 15-point, 12-reception outing, Gajero’s 14-point, nine-dig effort, Bienne Bansil’s seven blocks, and Jaboneta’s 16-dig, 12-reception night all went for naught, as UP was pushed to the brink of elimination.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
