The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws grabbed a four-set victory over the National University Lady Bulldogs, 25-21, 25-22, 16-25, 25-20, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena to guarantee at least a playoff for the second twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four of UAAP Season 80 women's volleyball tournament.
The Lady Tamaraws ended their elimination round campaign with a 10-4 record and now await the result of the Ateneo-La Salle showdown. If Ateneo loses, FEU will take the twice-to-beat bonus. If Ateneo wins, a tiebreaker game for the number two spot will take place on Wednesday.
"It's difficult to reach the top of the mountain. We encountered several obstacles and challenges, but we're here now at the most difficult part," said FEU head coach George Pascua in Filipino. "I told my players that we should not stop. We should fight until the end."
Bernadeth Pons towed her team to the victory with 17 points and 16 excellent receptions. Celine Domingo contributed 12 points off nine spikes and three blocks, while Chin-Chin Basas added nine markers.
FEU almost pulled off a sweep, but Jaja Santiago paved the way for NU to launch a strong finishing kick in Set 3. Risa Sato broke the 15-all deadlock and sparked the 10-1 closing run that allowed the Lady Bulldogs to extend the match. Aiko Urdas fired a couple of aces in that stretch, then the Lady Tamaraws shot themselves in the foot with crucial errors.
The two teams found themselves tied again at 15 in the fourth frame. FEU managed to pull away as Basas, Pons, and Nette Villareal powered through NU's defense. Heather Guino-o scored a pair of clutch markers that put the Lady Tams at match point before Pons fittingly ended the contest with a kill.
Santiago poured 15 spikes and six blocks for 21 points in the loss.
The Lady Bulldogs capped off their bid with a 7-7 slate. They carry a twice-to-win disadvantage against the league-leading Lady Spikers in the Final Four.