FEU Lady Tamaraws.
FAR Eastern University assured itself a ticket to the Final Four of the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament with a thrilling four-set win over Adamson University, 25-23, 25-22, 20-25, 28-26, Wednesday at San Juan Arena.
Jerrili Malabanan calmed the girls in yellow with a well-placed service ace to cap the Lady Tamaraws’ 9-5 in the elimination round and FEU’s fourth straight win.
Lady Tamaraws head coach Shaq Delos Santos was relieved beyond belief and thanked the heavens for bringing them to the Final Four despite the team’s shaky performance against an Adamson team that beat them in the first round.
“Nagulat rin kami kasi siyempre galing sa tatlong panalo tapos ganito laro namin,” Delos Santos said. “Sinasabi ko nga sa mga bata ‘wag niyo isipin last game natin against Adamson isipin niyo na lang kung paano yung ginawa natin doon sa tatlong sunud-sunod na panalo.’”
Adamson was poised for an upset when rookie Bernadette Flora gave them the 24-21 match point but FEU veterans Bernadeth Pons and Mary Palma tied the set at 24-24.
Jeanette Villareal then tied the set at 26-26 before Pons gave FEU the 27-26 lead.
“Thank you kay God at na guide niya kami sa last set,” Delos Santos said. “Sobrang happy ko sa mga bata kasi kahit ganoon laro ipinilit nilang ipanalo.”
Villareal had a game-high 19 points for FEU while Malabanan added 11 and Palma and Toni Rose Basas had 10 points apiece.
Flora and Jema Galanza each had 13 points for the 3-10 Lady Falcons while Mylene Paat added 11.