THE resilient FEU Lady Tamaraws climbed back from a 2-1 hole to beat the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-12, 15-25, 19-25, 25-15, 18-16, in the UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Led by libero Marga Encarnacion's 35 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions, FEU made the bigger plays an extended fifth-set tiebreak to complete the great comeback and get back to .500 with a 2-2 (win-loss) record.
FEU's first win over Ateneo in four years, or since their Final Four encounter in Season 81, comes as a timely boost of confidence for the Lady Tamaraws ahead of their match against unbeaten La Salle on Saturday.
The Blue Eagles dropped to 1-3.
After Ateneo spiker AC Miner's attack was deflected by a towering FEU net defense to close the match, the entire Lady Tamaraws bench was so overcome with emotions it left their floor general in tears during the post-game interview.
"Lahat ng pinagpaguran namin, nasuklian na. Lahat ng hirap sa mga pinagdaanan namin sa training, lumabas na rito," an emotional Encarnacion said.
A new Morayta triple threat in Jovelyn Fernandez, Alyzza Devosora, and Mitzi Panangin emerged in the game, which saw them combine for 42 markers to overcome Faith Nisperos' 21-point outing for the Blue Eagles.
The Lady Tamaraws have now beaten both teams from Katipunan this season, having overcome the UP Lady Maroons earlier.
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