FEU ends losing streak with gritty five-set win over Ateneo

Far Eastern University (FEU) snapped its losing streak by outlasting Ateneo de Manila University, 25-15, 20-25, 25-17, 24-26, 15-11, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, March 2, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Coach Tina Salak expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance but emphasized the need for consistent readiness. “It was a convincing win, but we want to push them further so that by the second round, we’re fully prepared to fight back against all the struggles we’re facing now,” she said.  

FEU’s strong net defense played a crucial role in the win, dominating Ateneo in blocks with a 20-2 advantage. The victory improved their record to 2-2 after back-to-back defeats.  

Gerzel Petallo led the Lady Tamaraws with 18 points, including 14 attacks and four blocks, while also contributing 14 excellent receptions. 

Ateneo extended the match to a fifth set after Petallo leveled the fourth frame at 24 with a precise drop ball. However, Lyann de Guzman answered with a strong attack that deflected off an FEU defender’s hand, securing the point after a successful block touch challenge.

Yvana Sulit then stepped up with a crucial service ace, forcing a deciding set.  

FEU started the season with a dominant victory over the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses but later suffered consecutive defeats against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and the National University Lady Bulldogs.  

With this win, the Lady Tamaraws evened their record at 2-2, creating a four-way tie for third place alongside UP, De La Salle University, and Adamson University.

Faida Bakanke contributed 15 points, built on 10 attacks and five blocks, while Mitzi Panangin recorded 11 points with five kills and a game-high six blocks.

Setter Tin Ubaldo played a key role in orchestrating FEU’s offense, delivering 17 excellent sets. 

Despite Ateneo’s strong showing, particularly from De Guzman, who delivered an impressive triple-double with 23 points, 12 receptions, and 11 digs, the Blue Eagles fell short and dropped to 1-3, placing them seventh in the standings.

Sobe Buena also recorded a triple-double, contributing 18 points, 13 receptions, and 12 digs, while AC Miner and Sulit added 13 and 10 points, respectively.