Far Eastern University thwarted College of Saint Benilde’s comeback bid to secure its third straight victory, outlasting the Lady Blazers in five grueling sets, 25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 24-26, 15-8, in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday afternoon at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
Fresh from surviving a nail-biting five-setter against the Arellano University Lady Chiefs just the day before, the Lady Tamaraws once again showed poise under pressure.
Rallying behind the powerful duo of Faida Bakanke and Jaz Ellarina, FEU proved their resilience against the reigning NCAA champions, further fueling their redemption drive in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Bakanke led the charge with 22 points built on 17 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Ellarina remained steady with 21 points, tallying 15 attacks and six blocks, as FEU improved to a 4-1 win-loss record at the tournament’s midway mark.
“Nag-mmatter talaga dito yung consistency and composure. Though pagod kami from last game kasi gabi na kami natapos tapos ito morning [game], parang hindi namin pwede i-excuse na pagod kami ulit. Yung may control talaga ng sarili namin is kami, kung paano kami gagalaw,” said Lady Tamaraws team captain Tin Ubaldo.
“Actually, hindi namin sila tinitignan as NCAA team ‘lang’ kasi lahat feel namin magkaka-level dito. Galing ‘man sa NCAA or UAAP, same lang. Nag-ttraining din kaming lahat at magagaling din sila sa NCAA,” she added.
After squandering match points in the third and fourth sets, FEU came out firing in the decisive fifth. Behind back-to-back kills from Ellarina, a Lovely Lopez hit, and a Bakanke crosscourt winner, the Lady Tamaraws surged ahead to an 11-5 cushion.
Benilde momentarily closed the gap with two quick points, but FEU regained control with another Ellarina attack, a Bakanke block, and capitalized on a service error by Camila Bartolome to seal the hard-earned win in two hours and five minutes.
Lopez also made her presence felt with nine points and 15 excellent receptions, celebrating her 20th birthday in style.
Petallo anchored the defense with a stellar all-around performance, finishing with 14 points, 22 excellent receptions, and 10 digs.
Ubaldo ran the offense masterfully with 26 excellent sets and chipped in three points, while Margarett Encarnacion recorded a game-high 17 receptions.
FEU will aim for its fifth consecutive win on Tuesday, August 26, when it faces University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, still at the Paco Arena.
Meanwhile, Benilde, which started the tournament with a perfect 3-0 slate, dropped its second straight match to fall to 3-2, settling in third place.
Zam Nolasco powered the Lady Blazers with 21 points on 16 attacks, four blocks, and an ace. Rhea Densing added 16 points on 14 attacks and two blocks, while Shekinah Lleses chipped in 13 points alongside 22 excellent receptions. Clydel Catarig and Cristy Ondangan contributed seven points apiece.
The Lady Blazers look to halt their skid when they meet fellow NCAA squad Arellano University on the same day and venue.
