Romwel Anzures

Gerz Petallo of Far Eastern University against National University in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final 4. Photo from UAAP Media.

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<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1746441252054UAAP 87 WVB FEU vs. NU- Gerz Petallo-8079.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Gerz Petallo in action for Far Eastern University against National University in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final 4. Photo from UAAP Media."/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Gerz Petallo in action for Far Eastern University against National University in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final 4. <em>Photo from UAAP Media.</em></span></span></span>MANILA — Far Eastern University was two points away from extending its UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball campaign on Saturday.</div><p>Much like in Season 86, the Lady Tamaraws were poised to force a rubber match against No. 1 National University in the Final 4, with the Morayta-based spikers only needing two more to close the game after already overwhelming the Lady Bulldogs, two sets to none.</p><p>Unfortunately for Far Eastern U, reigning MVP Bella Belen delivered an off-the-block hit to get set point, while promising middle blocker Alexa Mata converted an ace to send their match to a fourth set.</p><p>The defending champions then rediscovered their footing in the last two frames and eventually eliminated the Lady Tamaraws, and that was it — National U is now a step closer to realizing its goal of a repeat.</p><p>On the opposite court of the taraflex, Gerz Petallo and the rest of the Tina Salak-mentored squad was once again booted out of the playoffs by their Jhocson Street neighbors in Manila, just as when deputy Manolo Refugia was at the helm the previous year.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/5/3/uaap-national-u-completes-reverse-sweep-vs-feu-to-punch-finals-ticket-1815">READ: National U completes reverse sweep vs. FEU to punch Finals ticket</a></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1746441437120UAAP 87 WVB FEU vs. NU- Gerz Petallo-8779.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Gerz Petallo of Far Eastern University against National University in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final 4. Photo from UAAP Media."/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Gerz Petallo of Far Eastern University against National University in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final 4. <em>Photo from UAAP Media.</em></span></span></span>“Talagang champion team sila,” acknowledged third-year ace Petallo, who led FEU’s charge with an all-around outing of 14 points, 14 receptions, and 13 digs vs. NU.</div><p>“Kung makatapat mo talaga yung champion team, they never give up talaga. Nanalo kami ng two sets na, pero grabe, ‘di talaga sila nag give up. Sobrang tapang nila, champion team talaga sila,” she reflected.</p><p>Petallo was the Lady Tamaraws’ main offensive weapon during the entirety of Season 87 as the third-year star was tied for 10th in the league’s top scorers after the Final 4.</p><p>The 5-foot-5 Petallo played bigger than her height and finished with a total of 180 points which was built on 148 attacks, 20 blocks, and 12 aces.</p><p>That is why even with another fourth-place finish for FEU, Petallo is confident that they can eventually break through the semifinals which has been their ceiling for the past two years.</p><p>“Yung FEU program, three years pa lang po namin ito nabuo,” she said. “Mga Season 84, 1-13 yung standing nun. Nasa bottom kami nun. Pero after three years, nandito na kami. Dalawang seasons na Final 4.”</p><p>“So malaking factor po yun talaga, and hindi po namin yun aalisin sa sarili namin. Pinaghirapan po talaga namin every season. And, hindi namin alam, ‘di ba? The next season, baka ayun na, baka sa amin na,” Petallo added.</p><p>The Lady Tamaraws will be parading a relatively intact roster in Season 87 as most of their core is expected to return.</p><p>However, Petallo knows that it would take more than this to help FEU power through and finally reach the Finals for the first time since Season 80 in 2018.</p><p>“Icha-challenge ko po yung self po,” she emphasized. “Kung paano po mag-mature sa work and consistency po talaga.”</p><p>“Yun na lang po kulang eh. Andito na po eh. May experience na po ako, three seasons na po akong naglalaro. So maturity and talagang consistency sa court, and kung paano din ako magiging ate sa mga bata,” Petallo ended. <strong></strong></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NAMxqy5XVfI?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Far Eastern University was two points away from extending its UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball campaign on Saturday.</p>

Far Eastern University was two points away from extending its UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball campaign on Saturday.

UAAP: After another Final 4 heartbreak, Petallo eager to elevate game further for FEU

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UAAP: After another Final 4 heartbreak, Petallo eager to elevate game further for FEU

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 05, 2025 07:21 PM PHT

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UAAP Season 87

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Gerz Petallo

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