FEU stuns NU to keep Final Four bid afloat

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Far Eastern University just made the Final Four race a little more complicated as it upended National University, 25-21, 25-21, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Tamaraws won their second straight game and improved to 7-6 to tie Lady Bulldogs, who have suffered back-to-back losses.

NU got a reprieve when Carlota Hernandez’ serve went out as the Lady Bulldogs’ looked at a 24-22 deficit in the third set, but Jorelle Singh’s final attack sailed out and ultimately handed the Lady Tamaraws the victory.

FEU assistant coach Arielito Canlas said their victory over the Lady Bulldogs was a huge morale-booster as they take on University of the Philippines in their next game.

“This was a big boost to the team’s morale especially since we’re also preparing for our match against UP,” said Canlas. “The kids can use their performance in this game as an inspiration in their game against UP.”

FEU’s win made the race to the Final four even more thrilling with four teams still vying for the last two spots in the semifinals.

The Lady Tamaraws own the fifth spot while the Lady Bulldogs are at sixth. UP and University of Santo Tomas both have 7-5 slates and hold the third and fourth spots, respectively.

Bernadeth Pons had 16 points to lead the Lady Tamaraws while Toni Rose Basas added 14.

Jaja Santiago had a game-high 20 points but with the Lady Bulldogs committing 27 errors, it all went for naught.