FEU recovers, outlasts UP in battle for 3rd

FILE – FEU Lady Tamaraws. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Far Eastern University rekindled its flame and outlasted University of the Philippines, 25-23, 25-23, 21-25, 21-25, 15-9 in Game 1 of their battle for third place in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference Monday at Philsports Arena.

Heather Guino-o topped the Lady Tamaraws with 23 points, 19 from kills, two blocks, and two service aces.

Toni Rose Basas fired 19 of her 21 markers off kills, while Remy Joy Palma had 15 for FEU.

After taking sets, the Lady Tamaraws appeared to have lost their intensity and allowed the Lady Maroons to force a clincher before Guino-o starred in the end.

“Medyo nag-relax nung dalawang set,” said FEU coach Shaq delos Santos. “Sabi ko sa kanila, grabe sila magpahinga kasi dalawang set agad ang ibinigay nila.”

“Good thing is natuto kami doon sa mga una naming laban and I told them na kalimutan na ang lahat at mag-focus sa last set kasi yun ang importante.”

Though failing to advance to the championship series, delos Santos said that it’s still important for FEU to finish at the podium.

“Malaking bagay pa rin yun sa amin. Hindi man namin na-meet yung goal namin ba mag-champion, kailangan pa rin naming makuha yung third place, para rin makita na nagiimprove yung team at ma-test kung nasaan na kami,” he said.

Game 2 is on Wednesday at the same venue.

Nicole Tiamzon led UP with 19 points,  15 coming from hits and three service aces.

Isa Molde had 16 markers, while Diana Carlos got 15 in the defeat.