The top-seeded Far Eastern University (FEU) successfully fended off the challenge from the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, winning 25-16, 25-20, 25-17 in Game 3 of the semis to advance to the women's division Finals of the 2023 V-League Collegiate Challenge. This thrilling match took place on Sunday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Lady Tamaraws are now set to face the College of Saint Benilde in Game 1, scheduled for Wednesday at 2 p.m.
In the final set, with a narrow lead of just five points at 22-17, substitute Gerzel Petallo contributed back-to-back points for FEU, and Chenie Tagaod sealed the victory with a decisive kill.
Interim head coach Manolo Refugia expressed, "I focused and talked to them more to bring us back to our desired system and prevent Perps from gaining momentum. Perps also worked hard, and it was a tough match."
Mitzi Panangin played a pivotal role in FEU's defensive strategy, scoring five of the team's 12 blocks, while Tagaod led the offense with 16 attack points, totaling 17 markers.
On the opposing side, no Lady Altas player reached double digits in scoring, with Mary Rhose Dapol contributing nine points. The team will now face the University of the East in the battle for the bronze medal.
