SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – Rachel Anne Daquis solidified Far Eastern University’s title aspirations as she led the Lady Tamaraws to a 26-24, 26-24, 25-22 straight sets win over National University to open the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference final with a bang, Sunday, May 18 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
The FEU alum top-scored in the match with 19 markers – 11 of which coming from attacks – but it was her steady composure in crucial stretches that mattered most as she delivered the telling blows that denied NU of continuing their spectacular run into the last dance.
Trailing the Lady Bulldogs in the early goings, the Morayta-based squad bucked a slow start as they turned what was a 20-21 deficit into a 26-24 opening frame win courtesy of Daquis and Geneveve Casugod who sealed the set for FEU with ice-cold hits.
The second set was just as intense as both squads battled it out to a 17-all knot but FEU once again came out on top as they survived the Santiago sisters’ late onslaught for another two-point squeaker for 2-0.
The Lady Bulldogs, however, bounced back in the third as Dindin Santiago and Myla Pablo ignited an 8-0 run to open the set but NU could not sustain their rally as Daquis led FEU’s comeback efforts en route to a 25-22 come-from-behind third set triumph.
Bernadeth Pons – who braved a sprain on her left ankle – was also instrumental in FEU’s win as she tallied in 14 points while Dindin Santiago spearheaded NU’s attack with 13.
With both squads coming up with their A-game in the offensive departments, it was FEU’s defense that proved to be the difference as Jovelyn Gonzaga and Christine Agno accounted for 17 of the Lady Tams’ 39 digs with Yna Papa owning the setting department anew, registering all of her squad’s 32 sets.
FEU will try to win it all in Game 2 slated on Sunday, May 25, still at the same venue.
Scores
FEU – Daquis 19, Pons 14, Gonzaga 9, Palma 6, Casugod 4, Papa 1, Dionela 1
NU – Santiago, D. 13, Aganon 11, Pablo 9, Santiago, J. 8, Mandapat 7
By set: 26-24, 26-24, 25-22
– Rappler.com
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