Far Eastern University survived a thrilling five-set match and took a hard-earned 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 17-25, 15-10 win against University of the East in the UAAP Season 84 women's volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Tuesday, May 10.
Chen Tagaod and Jean Asis joined forces on the offense as the Lady Tamaraws earned their first win of the season and improved to a 1-2 record.
"Nakita naman namin 'yong mga bata na gusto nilang manalo pero sabi ko sa kanila, hindi madali kasi nasa transition period kami," said Lady Tamaraws head coach George Pascua. "Sabi ko magtulungan na lang sa loob ng court. At the end of the day, kapag nagtutulungan may possibility na manalo."
Tagaod led all scorers with 20 points all built from spikes while Asis and Karyme Truz scored 13 points apiece.
After falling in the fourth frame, Tagaod sparked a late 8-0 run en route to a comfortable 13-8 cushion for the Lady Tamaraws in the decisive fifth set.
Team captain Lycha Ebon, who added 10 markers, also delivered in the clutch with a service ace in FEU's last blitz.
An easy conversion from Tagaod put FEU at match point before Asis put the finishing touches with a quick hit for the win.
Janeca Lana paced the Lady Warriors, who remained winless in three consecutive matches, with 20 points behind 16 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace, and Ercae Nieva posted 15 hits and four service aces for 19 markers.
Early in the first set, UE missed the services of Apple Lingay, who went down on a bad fall with an apparent right knee injury.