MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers sparked a comeback to defeat the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in 5 sets, 25-17, 21-25, 16-25, 25-20, 15-5, and secure a playoff spot on Sunday, March 18, at the Filoil Flying V Centre. 

The Lady Spikers blanked the Lady Tamaraws early in the 5th set with a 5-0 start until FEU middle blocker Celine Domingo halted the momentum with a kill block on Tin Tiamzon’s attack. After the Lady Tamaraws cut the lead to two with Desiree Cheng’s error, the Lady Spikers’ experience allowed them to pull away with a huge 8-1 run.

DLSU solidified its hold on the top spot with a 4-game winning streak and an 8-2 record, while FEU fell to 6-4 in the UAAP Season 80 Women’s Volleyball tournament.

Kim Dy and Majoy Baron tallied 18 points apiece with Baron scoring off 10 spikes, 5 aces, and 3 blocks.

Bernadeth Pons led the Lady Tamaraws with 16 points off 13 spikes, two blocks, and one ace while making 12 excellent receptions.

The Lady Spikers raced to a quick 17-4 advantage over FEU until Pons sparked a rally that got the Lady Tamaraws within 4 points of the defending champions, 20-16. Aduke Ogunsanya’s back-to-back points stretched the lead until Dy’s crosscourt shot sealed the 1-0 lead in the match for DLSU.

FEU escaped the close action between the two teams early in the second set as Ogunsanya’s service error halted DLSU’s momentum and the Lady Tamaraws were only two points away from taking the set, 23-21. An error by Baron evened the match at one set apiece.

The Lady Tamaraws rode on their second set momentum to lock down the Lady Spiker’s offense. Jerr Malabanan came off the bench to lift the Lady Tamaraws to set point and a 10-point lead, 24-14. After DLSU took two points, Pons’ attack gave FEU a 2-1 advantage in the match.

The Lady Spikers fended off FEU to prevent the Lady Tamaraws from taking the match. After Pons gave FEU a fighting chance by scoring off the block to cut the deficit to two, 21-19, the Lady Tamaraws committed back-to-back double contact errors.

Arriane Layug brought DLSU to set point and a drop by Cheng sent the match to a 5th set.

The Scores:

DLSU (3) – Baron 18, Dy 18, Cheng 10, Tiamzon 9, Ogunsanya 5, Ipac 4, Layug 1, Cobb 1, Luna 1.

FEU (1) – Pons 16, Basas 12, Domingo 11, Carandang 11, Negrito 6, Malabanan 6, Hernandez 1, Guino-o 1, Cayuna 1.

– Rappler.com