After falling short in last year’s finals, Far Eastern University earned another shot at the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge crown by sweeping University of the East in the semifinals, 25-20, 25-19, 25-21, at the Philsports Arena on Sunday.
The Lady Tamaraws controlled the first two sets but nearly faltered in the third. Leading comfortably at 16-8, FEU saw UE mount a comeback behind the combined efforts of Nahomie Mpata, Cassiey Dongallo and Riza Nogales, who powered a 6-2 run that cut the deficit to just two points, 16-18.
However, FEU’s Lovely Lopez made the most of her limited minutes, contributing two key points in a pivotal 3-0 run that re-established a five-point lead at 21-16. The Lady Tamaraws held on from there, completing the one-hour, 25-minute victory and repeating their straight-set sweep from the series’ opener.
“Masaya though maraming lapses pero mabilis naming nagagawan ng paraan,” said FEU team captain Tin Ubaldo, who tallied 15 excellent sets and added six points.
“Parang lahat ng errors, lahat ng miscues, mabilis namin siyang nata-translate sa point kaya happy kami kasi na-work out namin ‘yung things na kailangan naming i-work out nang ganun, mabilis,” she added.
FEU, which lost the crown to St. Benilde last year, had a challenging preliminary round, finishing third with a 3-3 record. However, the Lady Tams hit their stride in the semifinals and now look forward to the finals, where they will face the winner of the UST-CSB semifinal showdown.
Game One of the best-of-three finals will be played next Sunday at 3 p.m.
Chenie Tagaod led FEU’s offense with 18 points, including 12 attacks, three blocks, and three aces, while also contributing 11 excellent digs.
Faida Bakanke and Jean Asis each added nine points, with Asis delivering eight kills. Jaz Ellarina chipped in seven points, highlighted by three blocks.
On the UE side, Cassiey Dongallo led her team with 13 points and eight excellent digs after missing the opening game of the series.
No other Lady Warrior reached double figures, with KC Cepada and Vicky Mpata each scoring seven, while Kayce Balingit and Nogales contributed six points apiece.
The Lady Warriors will now compete for bronze against the loser of the UST-CSB clash.
--//
