Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Far Eastern University barged into the Final Four of the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament and eliminated University of the Philippines, 25-16, 25-16, 27-25, Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre.
Riding a three-game win streak, the Lady Tamaraws ended their eliminations campaign with an 8-6 slate while the Lady Maroons, who went on a 4-0 start, crashed out of the race and settled for a 6-8 card.
A team error on the side of the Lady Maroons killed their Final Four chances and sent FEU to the semifinals regardless of the result between the match University of Santo Tomas and National University on Saturday.
In the event the Golden Tigresses win, the Lady Tamaraws will settle for the fourth spot but if the Lady Bulldogs win, FEU will earn the third seed due to point difference.
“The players really wanted this game,” said FEU head coach Shaq Delos Santos. “We saw all the hard work, the sacrifices, and all of it paid off and that’s why I’m so happy with them. I’m incredibly thankful.”
UP tried to mount a comeback in the third set as the Lady Maroons tied the period at 24-24 after trailing 24-21.
The game was once again tied at 25 after FEU was called for a net touch but Nicole Tiamzon’s final attempt went straight to the net, giving the Lady Tamaraws a 26-25 edge.
Toni Rose Basas and Bernadeth Pons led all FEU scorers with 12 points apiece while Heather Guino-o and skipper Remy Palma had 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Diana Carlos led UP with 13 points while Isa Molde and Tiamzon had eight apiece.