MANILA – Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws tightened their grip on the No. 4 spot through a 25-19, 25-23, 25-23 win over Adamson University Lady Falcons in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Faida Bakanke posted a game-high of 13 points on 11 attacks and two blocks as the Lady Tamaraws moved closer to securing the No. 4 spot in the Final Four with their 6-4 win-loss slate.
Chenie Tagaod added 12 points to go along with seven excellent receptions, while Gerzel Petallo and Jean Asis contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Lady Tamaraws.
“Syempre sa kinalalagyan namin ngayon, mas gigil pa kami na mas makamit ‘yung goal namin na pumasok sa Final Four, and also ‘yung mga goal din naman na mabawian namin ‘yung natalo kami ng first round,” said FEU head coach Manolo Refugia.
With the Lady Falcons looking to extend the game, Bakanke unleashed two consecutive hits late in the third set to stretch a 22-21 lead to three points, 24-21, and put the Lady Tamaraws at match point.
Adamson did not go down without a fight, capitalizing on a Tagaod service error followed by a Barbie Jamili attack to close the gap to 23-24 before Petallo sealed the win for FEU with an off-speed hit.
Red Bascon paced the Lady Falcons with 13 points, while Jamili had 11 markers on 11 attacks to go along with seven excellent receptions and six excellent digs as the Lady Falcons slid to 2-8.
Meanwhile, defending chmapions De La Salle University Lady Spikers survived a tough stand by University of the East Lady Warriors for a 25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-12 thriller.
Thea Gagate spearheaded the offense with 22 points, built on 17 attacks, three blocks, and two service aces, to be named Player of the Game as the Lady Spikers moved up to a 9-1 win-loss slate.
Shevana Laput chipped in 21 points, on 17 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace, Alleiah Malaluan contributed 12 points, while Ilongga Amie Provido and Negrense Maicah Larroza had 11 and 10 points, respectively, for DLSU./PN
