Far Eastern University further strengthened its semifinal bid as it pulled off a 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 25-13 victory over Ateneo in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday, April 9.

The win improved the Lady Tamaraws to third place after hiking their tally to 8-4, just half a game behind the De La Salle Lady Spikers (8-3).

It also booted Ateneo out of semifinal contention as the Blue Eagles dropped to 4-8.

That left University of Santo Tomas (7-4), University of the Philippines (5-6) and Adamson (4-7) fighting for the remaining two Final Four berths along with FEU.

Faida Bakanke topped the Tina Salak-mentored squad with 19 points built on 15 kills and four blocks, while Gerz Petallo and Chen Tagaod produced 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Playmakers Karylle Miranda and Tin Ubaldo also impressed with combined 20 excellent sets that produced 53 points from attacks for the Lady Tamaraws.

AC Miner, on the other hand, pumped in 17 points on 16 attacks and one block, while rookie Jihann Chuatico had 13 points in a futile attempt for the Blue Eagles.

Skipper Lyann De Guzman was also limited to just seven points for Ateneo.