By Andrei Barrantes

After two straight seasons on the outside looking in, Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws clinched their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 women’s final four spot with their 19-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10 victory over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses today, April 13, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila City.

“Siyempre napaka-excited kami kasi ngayon na lang kami nakaramdam ng ganitong feeling na parang nasa ulap ngayon kasi ayun nga, ang tagal naming hinintay, ang tagal naming pinagtrabahuan (Of course its exciting because we haven’t felt like we’re above the clouds in a long time. We waited for so long and worked so hard),” said Head Coach Manolo Refugia in a post-game interview.

The electric second-round rematch began with a close exchange by both squads. FEU trailed in increments due to their nagging errors but kept afloat with early offense by Lady Tams Karyme Truz and Faida Bakanke

Despite a late-game surge triggering a deadlock at 16-all, FEU’s poor reception sealed the first-set loss, 19-25.

In the second set, the Morayta-based squad activated Bakanke, relying on her seven points to claim the second set with an inverted score, 25-19.

The green-and-gold volleybelles made timely adjustments in the fourth set, opting for Lady Tam Alyzza Devosora who scored the set-point service ace.

FEU minimized their errors and took advantage of UST’s faults to clinch a fifth set, 25-20.

In the deciding set, middle blocker Jean Asis took over and carried FEU over the hump. The green-and-gold volleybelle scored six points with five straight markers and one block to raise the lead by as much as five.

Devosora iced the game with two crosscourt kills, 15-10.

Asis spoke on getting the job done the second time around after losing to UST in their previous encounter in round one.

“Siguro ‘yung natutuhan ko lang nung last game is walang hihinto talaga. Kasi sa fifth set parang du'n namin [narealize] na kuhanin na natin ‘to, bigay na natin lahat, buwis buhay na ‘to. Mapagod na kung mapagod basta makuha natin itong set (I think what I learned from the previous game is we shouldn’t stop. Because we realized in the fifth set that it was ours to take, lets give it our all and risk it all. If we get tired then we get tired as long as we get this set),” she said.

Bakanke scored 21 points from 15 attacks, four blocks, and two service aces, while Asis chipped in 16 markers with two blocks.

Chenie Tagaod also contributed nine points, while Morayta-based setter Tin Ubaldo scored four points and 21 excellent sets.

The Refugia-led squad improved their win-loss record to 7-4 and secured the fourth spot in the final four race as they face the University of the East (UE) on April 17 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)