Far Eastern University survived a thrilling fourth-set rally from their first-round tormentor University of the Philippines, clinching a 25-21, 25-16, 14-25, 26-24 victory to strengthen its position in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final Four race on Sunday, April 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Tamaraws erected an early 12-3 lead in the back-and-forth fourth set but the Fighting Maroons, through Kianne Olango’s attacks and Julia De Leon’s steady hands at the service line, responded with a 17-4 fiery blast to even take a 20-16 advantage.

FEU retaliated, though, as Faida Bakanke, Chenie Tagaod, and Jazlyn Ellarina pushed their side to match point, 24-22.

UP had one last run in them as Irah Jaboneta and Kassy Doering made back-to-back hits to force a 24 all tie, only for Olango to make a crucial attack error in the next play before Tin Ubaldo’s single block on Joan Monares sealed the deal.

“Para akong nanonood ng action tapos biglang drama, ang hirap para sa amin i-maintain ‘yung lead pero nakita ko ‘yung maturity ng players kung paano namin i-handle ‘yung behind four points. Very happy na nagkaroon kami ng ganoong turnout,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak.

The Lady Tamaraws elevated their record to 7-4, tying the UST Golden Tigresses for third and fourth spots. FEU, however, holds the tiebreak due to the win over the other rule.

This important victory that gave the NU Lady Bulldogs a Final Four ticket also pushed the fifth-running Fighting Maroons down to 5-6, two games behind the fourth spot.

UP extended the match to a fourth set after dominating the third, leading 19-8 due to the combined efforts of outside hitter Joan Monares and American middle blocker Kassy Doering.

But the Lady Tamaraws were not to incur another loss against the Fighting Maroons, just like their shock 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23 first round defeat.

“Syempre po sobrang important ng game ngayon kasi laging sinasabi sa amin na must-win game. Hindi naman sa naghahabol pero kailangan pa namin mas i-angat ‘yung standings namin,” said Tagaod, who made 14 points and 18 excellent receptions.

Bakanke, a Congolese opposite spiker, fired a game-high 20 points and seven digs, while Gerzel Petallo had an all-around brilliance of 14 points, 13 receptions, and 10 digs.

FEU will next face Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena.

Olango, Monares, and Jaboneta led the Fighting Maroons with 13 points each with the last player also tallying 14 receptions and nine digs.

UP aims to regain its confidence when it battles De La Salle University next Sunday still at the Big Dome.