MANILA – Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws played the spoilers’ role on De La Salle University Lady Spikers with a 25-22, 13-25, 15-25, 27-25, 15-9 victory in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball at the San Juan Arena.
Heather Guino-o finished with 24 points from 20 attacks, three aces, and a block on Sunday night while Jerrili Malabanan added 15 markers.
The Lady Tamaraws capped off the elimination round at No. 4 spot with 9-5 win-loss slate.
Trailing 2-1 sets, the Lady Tamaraws were poised to win the fourth set after erecting a 17-12 lead but the Lady Spikers clawed back to tie the count at 25-all before Aduke Ogunsanya and Lourdes Clemente committed errors to extend the match to fifth set.
In the fifth frame, the Lady Tamaraws got to a 6-2 start with Lady Spikers committing errors after errors.
FEU was able to complete the upset with DLSU giving up five errors late in the match.
“Kahit na no-bearing siya, importante manalo. ‘Yun naman ang mindset ng mga players. Kasi kapag nanalo kami dito, kahit papano, malaking boost ng morale sa mga players,” said Lady Tamaraws head coach George Pascua.
Rookie Jolina dela Cruz tallied 22 markers for the Lady Spikers, which was relegated to a knockout with fellow 10-4 University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses for the second twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles solidified its hold on the top spot heading into the semifinals round after a 25-20, 27-25, 25-11 sweep over University of the East Lady Warriors.
Kat Tolentino tallied 11 points while Madeleine Madayag added 10 markers for the Lady Eagles, which finished the eliminations with 12-2 card. The Lady Warriors ended with 3-11./PN
