The Lady Tamaraws, who finished runners-up to the Saint Benilde Lady Blazers last season, are one win away from a return trip to the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge Finals.
Far Eastern U moved a step closer to redemption, outplaying University of the East, 25-21, 25-15, 25-20, in the opener of their best-of-three semifinal series in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Philsports Arena on Wednesday, September 18.
The Lady Tamaraws, who finished runners-up to the Saint Benilde Lady Blazers last season, looked every inch of a squad on a mission against the Lady Warriors, dominating the first two sets before overcoming an early deficit in the third frame to clinch the match.
Alyza Devosora came through with an ace to cap FEU’s come-from-behind victory in the decisive third, moving the Lady Tams on the threshold of another Finals appearance in the pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision.
The victory also avenged the Lady Tams’ 21-25, 26-24, 23-25, 25-22, 10-15 defeat to the Lady Warriors in the last preliminary playdate last September 8.
"Mindset talaga namin na makuha 'tong game na 'to. As in, parang kada training, binigay talaga namin 'yung best namin para makuha 'tong first game ng semis," said team captain and setter Tin Ubaldo.
"Ang goal talaga namin is makarating sa Finals and naka-mindset kami na aayusin namin galaw namin hanggang pataas kami ng pataas," added the senior playmaker.
Ubaldo and the rest of the FEU side go for the clincher in Game 2 on Sunday at 10 a.m. at the same Pasig venue.
Jazlyn Ellarina took charge for the Lady Tamaraws in the first set but the Lady Warriors fought back and kept the game close behind Kai Cepada’s timely and loaded services.
UE’s fightback, though, fell short as FEU had built enough lead to cushion the impact of the Lady Warriors’ late charge.
The Lady Tams sustained their romp to the second frame, capitalizing on the Lady Warriors struggles on defense, leading to a series off FEU hits anchored on setters Ubaldo and Karyll Miranda.
Ellarina finished with 13 points, 10 of which came from attacks, to pace FEU, while Chenie Tagaod added 10 markers and made nine digs and eight excellent receptions.
Ubaldo chipped in five points and accounted for nine of the squad's 14 excellent sets.
Cepeda led the Lady Red Warriors with a game-high 17 points built on 15 attacks and a service ace, while Keshia Famulagan came off the bench to score seven markers.
Casiey Dongallo did make it in time for the match after finishing some school work, but the UE ace didn’t see action.