THE UST Golden Tigresses endured another heartbreak after bowing to the FEU Lady Tamaraws in four sets, 22-25, 24-26, 25-17, 24-26 during the start of the second round of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 23.
After the showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena, the rivals are now tied in the standings with an identical 5-3 win-loss record.
FEU completed a comeback in the fourth frame, overcoming a 17-11 deficit to win both games against UST this season.
In the opening set, the Lady Tamaraws built an early three-point advantage after foreign student-athlete Faida Bakanke rejected Angge Poyos to stay ahead, 12-9. Tigress veteran Pia Abbu then responded with back-to-back blocks to bring her team within one.
Crucial errors by UST allowed FEU to regain momentum as outside hitter Gerz Petallo struck a crosscourt hit to win the first set, 25-22.
The Lady Tamaraws kept the pressure on in the second frame, racing to a 4-0 start behind a down-the-line kill from Aly Devosora. The Tigresses stayed composed to seize the lead midway through the set, 17-14.
Sparkplug Lovely Lopez, however, delivered three consecutive points to conclude the late-game rally for the Morayta squad, 26-24.
Facing a two-set deficit, the Tigresses roared back in the third period by unleashing a commanding 12-1 run capped by a Mabs Hilongo service ace, 17-9.
The España squad continued to show their prowess as Hilongo’s hit pierced through FEU’s defense to secure the third set, 25-17.
It was an even tighter affair in the fourth set until FEU middle blocker Jean Asis denied lefty spiker Reg Jurado to finish off the comeback.
Bakanke posted 22 points built on 18 attacks, two blocks and two aces to lead FEU. Petallo and Jaz Ellarina added 12 markers apiece.
Jurado anchored UST’s offense with 20 points, while Hilongo had a breakout game with a career-high 17 points. Poyos delivered a triple-double performance with 14 attacks, 19 digs and 16 receptions.
The Tigresses will try to bounce back as they face the DLSU Lady Spikers on Saturday, March 29, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. F
