FAR Eastern University stretched its win streak to five as it breezed past cellar-dwelling University of the Philippines, 25-20, 27-29, 25-21, 25-21, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena.
Faida Bakanke took charge for semis-bound FEU with 19 points built on 16 attacks, two blocks and one ace.
READ: La Salle ironing out persistent lapses as Final Four approaches
With the Lady Tamaraws’ twice-to-beat bid still a long shot at 9-4 (win-loss), all focus turns to their elimination round finale against fellow semifinalist National University.
"Nakaka-boost talaga ng morale 'yung nanalo kami against sa UST. Nag-level up 'yung mindset nila, so 'yung preparation namin nagiging maganda sa training. Hopefully, matapos namin yung second round ng maganda and makabawi kami sa NU game.
"'Yung pag-stick pa rin sa system talaga ('yung kailangan namin). 'Yun lang naman kasi du'n kami nag-sstruggle kapag nawawala or 'yung iba, naliligaw. Kailangan talagang hatakin lahat papunta sa loob ng sistema dun sa bilog namin," said Manolo Refugia, who'll soon make his Final Four debut as FEU head coach.
One of FEU's senior on-court leaders in Chenie Tagaod led by example with 13 markers built on 11 attacks, one block and one ace.
Moreover, a trifecta of nine-point performances from Jean Asis, Alyzza Devosora and Mitzi Panangin kept the Lady Tamaraws' red-hot form afloat ahead of their Final Four return after five years.
The Fighting Maroons, meanwhile, put up a brave stand after grabbing an extended second-set to extend their penultimate match of the season to four sets. Four UP players finished in double figures led by Steph Bustrillo with 16 markers and Niña Ytang with 15.
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