MANILA – Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws clinched a semifinal seat in the Shakey’s Super League after a 25-19, 25-18, 25-18 sweep over Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in the quarterfinals at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Rookie Faida Bakanke was named Player of the Game after finishing with 18 points, built on 15 attacks and three blocks, for the Lady Tamaraws, which have only lost one game so far in the tournament.
Negrense Kiesha Bedonia added 10 points while Chenie Tagaod, Gerzel Petallo and Karyme Isabelle Truz chipped in seven, six and five points, respectively, for the Lady Tamaraws.
The Lady Tamaraws needed only one victory to reach the semifinals due to their twice-to-beat incentive. They will face the winner of College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers- University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses quarterfinals series.
“Malaking bagay ito dahil nakuha agad namin sa isa at makagpag-prepare agad. Maglalaban pa UST and CSB so mapag-aaralan pa namin both teams kung ano strengths and weaknesses nila para maka-adjust kami,” said FEU interim mentor Manolo Refugia.
Lyann De Guzman and rookie Jennifer delos Santos finished with eight points each to lead the Blue Eagles, which remains a picture of struggle under new head coach Sergio Veloso.
Defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs also punched their way to the semifinals round after a 25-19, 25-21, 25-23 straight set win over University of the East Lady Warriors.
Alyssa Solomon unloaded 13 points on 11 hits, an ace, and a block to lead the way for the Lady Bulldogs, while Mhicaela Belen and rookie Arah Ellah Panique manufactured 10 points each.
“Kumukuha po kami ng lakas kay Lord at sa mga taong nakapaligid sa akin. Sila ‘yung reason kung bakit ko binibigay lagi ‘yung best ko every game,” said Solomon. “Ito papasok na ng semis, kailangan pa naming mag-improve every game,” she added.
Adamson University Lady Falcons also soared to the semifinals after a 25-21, 25-18, 25-15 triumph over the Arellano University Lady Chiefs. Ayesha Juegos was adjudged Player of the Game for the Lady Falcons with seven points./PN
