FEU’s Jean Asis. Photo from UAAP Media. 

MANILA — Far Eastern University locked its spot in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament after surviving University of Sto. Tomas in five sets.

The Lady Tamaraws defeated the Golden Tigresses, 19-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10, in a thrilling Saturday night faceoff at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Faida Bakanke led her team with 21 points that were built on 15 attacks, four blocks, and two aces as well as five digs, Jean Asis followed with 16 markers, while Chen Tagaod had nine in their victory.

Tin Ubaldo was also vital in their victory after she tallied 21 excellent sets.

This is also the first win of Manolo Refugia’s team over Kung Fu Reyes’ squad since Season 81 in 2019, ending a seven-game losing skid against UST. 

After alternating wins in the first four frames, both teams engaged in a nip and tuck affair in the extension and saw themselves tied at seven midway through the fifth.

Five consecutive hits from  Asis propelled FEU to a five-point lead, 12-7, and that proved to be enough for the Morayta-based squad to end their two-season Final Four drought.

FEU’s Jean Asis. Photo from UAAP Media. 

The Lady Tams improved to 7-4 in the league standings, and following their victory, they eliminated the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the Adamson Lady Falcons, and the UE Lady Warriors from Final Four contention.

The returning Angge Poyos finished with 20 points that were built on 14 attacks, four aces, and two blocks, Reg Jurado tallied 15 markers and nine digs in the win, while Jonna Perdido got 12 digs and nine receptions. 

Cassie Carballo also stood out for the Golden Tigresses, putting up 16 excellent sets, but they now sit at 10-2 in the league standings. They are joined by FEU, the De La Salle Lady Archers, and the NU Lady Bulldogs in the Final Four cast.