MANILA — Far Eastern University sustained its momentum in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament after dispatching Ateneo de Manila University in straight sets, 25-17, 25-17, 26-24, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Tamaraws showed composure in the clutch, overturning a five-point deficit in the third set to complete the sweep and improve to a 3-2 record in the tournament standings.
Faida Bakanke led FEU with 12 points built on 10 attacks and two blocks, while Jazlyn Ellarina added 10 markers as the Lady Tamaraws kept their winning rhythm.
FEU appeared headed for a four-set contest after Ateneo surged to a 22-17 lead in the third frame.
However, the Lady Tamaraws responded with a decisive run behind Lovely Lopez and Ellarina, who sparked a 9-2 closing blitz that erased the deficit and sealed the victory in three sets.
Zel Tsunashima was the lone double-digit scorer for the Blue Eagles with 11 points as Ateneo remained winless at 0-5.
Meanwhile, defending champion National University bounced back from its previous defeat by sweeping University of the East, 25-19, 25-10, 25-19.
Still reeling from a stunning reverse-sweep loss to the University of the Philippines last Saturday, the Lady Bulldogs stumbled early and trailed 8-15 in the opening set.
Negrense Celine Marsh, Vange Alinsug, and Arah Panique ignited a turnaround for NU, leading a decisive 17-4 run that allowed the Lady Bulldogs to steal the first set, 25-19.
National University then asserted control, dominating the second set, 25-10, before closing out the match in the third, 25-19.
Marsh, who replaced rookie Sam Cantada in the starting six, finished with 11 points built on eight attacks, two aces, and a block. She also delivered 12 excellent digs and four receptions to help steady the Lady Bulldogs./PN
