FEU Lady Tamaraws in action during the V-League Collegiate Challenge. –HANDOUT PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University and the University of Santo Tomas inched closer to setting classic finals showdowns in the V-League Collegiate Challenge men’s and women’s divisions after beating their respective opponents in the semifinals opener on Wednesday at Philsports Arena.
In the women’s action, FEU took Game 1 of its best-of-three semis against the University of the East, 25-21, 25-15, 25-20.
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Jazlyn Ellarina led the charge for the Lady Tamaraws with 13 points, conspiring with senior spiker Chenie Tagaod, who had 10 points, nine digs, and eight excellent receptions.
READ: UAAP: FEU Lady Tamaraws hope to capitalize on Cinderella run
“Our mindset was really to win this game. In every training session, we gave our best to secure this first game of the semis,” said team captain and setter Tin Ubaldo, who contributed five points and nine excellent sets.
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“Our main goal is to reach the Finals, and we’re focused on improving our play as we continue to rise.”
Its star Casiey Dongallo didn’t see action due to schoolwork and UE couldn’t assert its mastery of FEU after its five-set elimination round win.
Kai Cepada stepped up for the Lady Red Warriors with a game-high 17 points built on 15 attacks and a service ace, while Keshia Famulagan had seven points from the bench.
UST Tigresses celebrate a point during the V-League Collegiate Challenge. –HANDOUT PHOTO
Meanwhile, UST, the UAAP runner-up, dominated the College of Saint Benilde, 25-20, 25-16, 25-13, behind the troika of Angge Poyos, Reg Jurado, and Jonna Perdido.
Perdido returned to action from a foot injury adding more firepower to the Tigresses with 13 points. UAAP Rookie of the Year Poyos delivered 14 points off 10 spikes, two blocks, and two aces.
Jurado had 12 points, as setter Cassie Carballo made 15 excellent sets on top of four points to outplay St. Benilde in spiking, 17-7.
READ: UAAP: All-heart UST Tigresses still proud of silver finish
“We really prepared well for Benilde because last time, the match went to a decision in the fifth set. So, we made sure to polish the lapses we had back then,” said UST assistant coach Yni Fernandez on behalf of head coach Kungfu Reyes, who was with the UST Junior Golden Tigresses in the UAAP.
“We studied all of St. Benilde’s tendencies, analyzed them, demonstrated them, and ran through everything. That’s why we expected a good outcome in this game.”
The new-look Lady Blazers leaned on Mary Grace Borromeo, who was the lone double-digit scorer with 10 points. Zam Nolasco and Mycah Go had eight and six points, respectively.
Tamaraws, Golden Spikers also triumph
FEU Tamaraws during the V-League semifinals. –HANDOUT PHOTO
In men’s play, FEU and UST also drew first blood in their respective series as the Tamaraws pounced on the depleted National University, 25-23, 25-20, 24-26, 25-16.
Jelord Talisayan delivered the finishing blows for the Tamaraws and finished with 21 points. Dryx Saavedra had 14 points, as setter Benny Martinez dished out 20 excellent sets to put UAAP champion NU to the brink of the bronze medal series.
“We just needed to lift the morale again because we had a lot of errors. But the players regained their composure,” said FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo. “They really wanted to win and secure that fourth set to seal Game 1. The first game is always crucial.”
NU, which sorely missed the presence of head coach Dante Alinsunurin and key players such as Buds Buddin, Jade Disquitado, Peng Taguibolos, and Choi Diao due to the Alas Pilipinas’ Italy training camp, leaned on Jan Abanilla’s 16-point effort. Mac Bandola and Leo Aringo chipped in 15 and 11 points, respectively.
In the rematch of last year’s finals, UST moved closer to revenge after beating defending champion La Salle sans Noel Kampton, 22-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-16.
GBoy De Vega led UST’s offensive charge with 17 points on top of six digs and 15 excellent receptions. Paul Colinares had 14 points, while Trevor Valera brought the momentum to the Golden Spikers after losing the opening set and finished with nine points including three blocks.
“Trust in each other is something the young players really need to learn. A team can’t win with just one person; it has to be a team effort,” said UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape, while head coach Odjie Mamon and UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez are in Italy.
“Confidence is important. If the confidence is there, everything they worked hard for in training will show.”
Chris Hernandez stepped up for La Salle with 17 points, while Eugene Gloria added 11 as the Green Spikers continue to miss Alas player Kampton.
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UST and FEU hope to sweep their respective series on Sunday to bring their rivalry to the Finals of the Sports Vision-organized league.