FEU overcomes UST; UP outlasts UE in UAAP women's volleyball opener

Far Eastern University overcame the University of Santo Tomas, 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, 25-20, in the opening day of the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Tamaraws were trailing 16-13 in the fourth set before they scored back-to-back to trim the deficit. It was a tight contest as the two teams were eventually tied at 19 before Jaz Ellarina scored two consecutive to put FEU in front. Clarisse Loresco's service error gave UST a slim chance, but Chenie Tagaod, along with Ellarina, towed FEU past the España-based squad for the victory.

"Ang tagal ko rin hinintay na makabalik. 'Yung direction ng team, nandoon naman. Going against UST, weeks namin pinag-aralan, hindi naman nasayang ang effort namin," returning FEU head coach Tina Salak said.

Faida Bakanke had 16 points anchored on 14 attacks, while Gerz Petallo had 15 points, five blocks, and two aces for the Morayta-based squad. 

Angge Poyos had 13 points, while Marga Altea and Reg Jurado added 10 points apiece for the Golden Tigresses.

Earlier, the University of the Philippines outlasted the University of the East, 25-18, 26-24, 24-26, 13-25, 15-13. 

UP was leading 8-2 in the fifth set but the Lady Warriors recovered and until the game was tied at 13. Nica Celis and Niña Ytang then came through in the clutch to give its new head coach Benson Bocboc the victory.

"First game of the season of course coming in excited 'yung mga players, hindi pa nila alam what to expect, hindi rin alam 'yung changes ng UE since nawalan sila ng players, kung ano 'yung gagalawin nila. Latter part lumaban sila tapos kami 'yung nag-off. Buti nakuha namin sa dulo in five sets,” Bocboc said.

Joane Monares had 17 points, while Kianne Olango added 15 points for the Fighting Maroons. The UP victory spoiled KC Cepada's 24-point outing for the Recto-based squad.

In men's play, foreign student-athlete Olayemi Raheem registered 25 points to lead the Fighting Maroons to a 19-25, 25-23, 24-26, 25-16, 18-16 victory against UE. 

UST's Josh Ybañez, meanwhile, suffered an apparent right ankle injury late in the fourth set as FEU defeated the Golden Spikers, 20-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News