By Ardyn Gonzales
Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws came out recharged as they bravely swept the top-seeded National University Lady Bulldogs, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball Final Four, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Finishing fourth after the elimination round, the Lady Tamaraws erased the twice-to-beat advantage of NU, forcing a do-or-die match for the ticket to the Finals.
After surprising the Lady Bulldogs with a 2-0 lead in the match, FEU continued to stun NU with an 8-1 start in the third.
The Lady Tamaraws pulled away through the collective efforts of Chen Tagaod, Faida Bakanke, and Ann Monares. NU, on the other hand, slowly gained momentum and came within striking distance down the stretch, 24-22.
But Bakanke and company knew better and came up with the match-clinching off-the-block kill.
Tagaod led the charge with 12 points, while Mitzi Panangin and Jean Asis added 10 and 11 markers, respectively.
In the non-scoring department, the libero-setter duo of Monares and Tin Ubaldo outplayed the Lady Bulldogs. Monares had 14-to-15 receiving efficiency, while Ubaldo was able to convert 16 excellent sets.
Meanwhile, NU played one of their worst performances this season, throwing away a set’s worth of unforced errors with 25 free points to FEU.
Bella Belen was the lone bright spot for NU with 12 points as Alyssa Solomon and Vange Alinsug struggled all throughout the match.
The do-or-die game between the Lady Tamaraws and Lady Bulldogs will be on May 8.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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