Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws completed the season sweep in a four-setter match against the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 25-21, 25-11, 22-25, 25-21 in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 women's volleyball tourney earlier today, April 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The  Lady Tams set the tone early by gaining a comfortable lead as green-and-gold spikers Chenie Tagaod and Jovelyn Fernandez each chipped in five markers including a block en route to the 25-21 win.

The Morayta-based volleybelles mended their set two struggles and doubled down on the aggression against the Blue Eagles led by setter Christine Ubaldo's three points from an attack and two rejections, 25-11.

In their previous match against National University, FEU Head Coach Tina Salak remarked that their lackluster second set performances is an issue they have yet to resolve, but the team managed to put a stop to this against AdMU.

In a post-game interview, Coach Salak mentioned that they held an intervention with the team to address the consistency issue to make their goals in the league more achievable.

"Nagkaroon kami ng talk… Kung ganun pa rin magiging mentality namin na makukuha ‘yung first set tapos bababa sa second set, hindi achievable ‘yung gusto namin marating (We had a talk… If the mentality stays the same, where we win the first set but dip in the second, then our end goal won't be achievable)," she said.

FEU succumbed to fatigue and fell short in their late rally during the third set despite the early hot streak in the frame, 22-25.

The Lady Tams made up for their shortcomings entering the fourth set and kept composure as spiker Gerzel Petallo scored three straight markers to clinch victory in their second round game against AdMU, 25-21.

Sophomore setter Ubaldo hailed as the player of the game with seven points from three attacks, two blocks and two aces, accompanied by 10 excellent sets, while Tagaod finished with 15 points from 12 attacks and two service aces, and Fernandez chipped in a total of 12 markers.

The Salak-led squad improves to a 6-5 win-loss standing as they face the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses on Sunday, April 2, at the same venue.

-Andrei Barrantes

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)