Far Eastern University mounted a dramatic comeback, clawing its way from the brink of defeat to snatch a heart-stopping 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 19-25, 17-15 victory against a visibly stunned University of Santo Tomas.
What seemed to be a secured win for the Golden Tigresses slipped away as the Lady Tamaraws, defying the odds, forced a sudden-death Game 3 in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge before a shocked Wednesday crowd at the Philsports Arena.
A chaotic scene unfolded when white confetti showered the court prematurely after UST's setter, Cassie Carballo, executed a quick 1-2 play, following a perfectly timed combination play by Jonna Perdido to give them championship point at 14-13.
The Golden Tigresses erupted in celebration, believing they had sealed the victory.
However, the FEU coaching staff challenged the play for a net touch violation, and the review showed that Carballo’s left hand made contact with the net on her way down. The overturn stunned the UST players and fans, handing FEU a fresh chance to fight back.
“Di ko nakita na nag-challenge pero super hinayang nung time na ‘yun. Pero nung nagbalik ‘yung point, talagang hindi ko binitawan ‘yung chance na binigay,” said FEU team captain Tin Ubaldo, who stayed on the floor after the confetti unexpectedly fell in the fifth set.
After a long pause to clear the confetti, the match resumed at 14-all. The Lady Tamaraws displayed nerves of steel, saving two more championship points before a crucial block by FEU’s Christine Ubaldo turned the tide.
Seizing their moment, FEU capitalized on UST’s miscommunication as the Golden Tigresses failed to recover a free ball, letting it drop between three players. This blunder ignited a wild celebration for the Lady Tams, who extended the series to a deciding Game 3.
“Super happy kasi talagang pinagtrabahuhan namin ‘yung win na ‘to. Parang lahat talaga nag–contribute sa win. Though maraming lapses, ‘yung errors, miscues, pero nakabawi pa rin kami,” Ubaldo added.
Jean Asis spearheaded FEU with 20 points on 17 attacks and three blocks, while Faida Bakanke and Jaz Ellarina contributed 18 and 16 points, respectively.
Lopez came through with 11 points, while Chenie Tagaod had nine markers to go along with 11 excellent receptions.
Ubaldo dished out 22 excellent sets laced with four points and 10 excellent digs, while Margarett Encarnacion and Julianne Monares, who took turns defending the floor, had 10 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions, respectively.
While FEU rejoiced, it was a bitter and confounding loss for UST.
The Golden Tigresses had stormed to a commanding 13-9 lead in the fifth set, with Perdido’s powerful hit through the block.
But the Lady Tams, refusing to fold, battled back with three straight points, aided by a critical UST service error. Ubaldo then blocked a key attack by Perdido to level the score at 13, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking finish.
UST momentarily regained the advantage with Perdido’s explosive combination hit, bringing them to championship point again. Carballo’s subsequent 1-2 play appeared to seal it, sparking early celebrations.
However, the hasty merriment proved costly as FEU exploited UST’s mistakes to claim the win.
Jurado paced the Golden Tigresses with 24 points on 21 attacks, two blocks, and one ace to go along with 14 excellent digs, while Perdido and Peñafiel added 17 and 15 markers, respectively. Perdido also had 16 excellent receptions.
Carballo produced 22 excellent sets, while Detdet Pepito registered 26 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions in the loss.
The decisive Game 3 is set for 2 p.m. on Friday, with another dramatic match on the horizon.
Meanwhile, the men’s championship between FEU and De La Salle University will also see a sudden-death Game 3 at 5 p.m.
