FEU inches closer to 2nd seed, repulses NU

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Far Eastern University got closer to clinching a coveted twice-to-beat advantage after turning back National University, 25-21, 25-22, 16-25, 25-20, in its final elimination round game in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Tamaraws moved to a 10-4 record but will still wait for the outcome of the game between Ateneo and De La Salle in the second match.

The Lady Bulldogs, who locked up the fourth seed on Wednesday, will go on to the semifinals with a 7-7 card.

FEU needed the perfect combination of grit and luck to thwart a persistent NU squad in the fourth set as the Lady Bulldogs played tit-for-tat with the Lady Tamaraws until the final five points.

Toni Rose Basas gave FEU a 20-17 lead with an off-the-block kill but NU managed to cut it to one, 20-19, when a net touch was called on the Lady Tamaraws.

FEU, however, scored two straight points for the 22-19 lead after Jorelle Singh and Jasmine Nabor committed back-to-back errors.

Lady Tamaraws head coach George Pascua said the close match against the Lady Bulldogs would be the right stepping stone for them as they head to the Final Four.

“This game helped us build our momentum heading into the semifinals and this is like the top of the mountain wherein we’re in the most difficult stretch of the tournament,” said Pascua in Filipino.

“I told my players to just keep pushing, they don’t just have to want this win they have to need this win.”

Heather Guino-o scored two straight points that put the Lady Tamaraws at the 24-20 match point before Bernadeth Pons effectively finished off the Lady Bulldogs with a well-placed off-speed kill.

Pons finished with 17 points to lead the Lady Tamaraws while Celine Domingo and Basas had 12 and nine points, respectively.

Jaja Santiago had 21 points to lead the Lady Bulldogs who will face defending champion De La Salle in the semifinals.