By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws fended off University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 16-25, 28-26, 25-13, 25-21, in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday afternoon, September 13.
Chenie Tagaod had her best game in the tournament with 16 points, including 13 attacks, two blocks and a service ace to earn Player of the Game honors for the Lady Tamaraws.
Mitzi Panangin found her mark in the middle with 13 markers, while Jaz Ellarina added 12 coming off the bench as the Lady Tamaraws secured the top seed heading into the playoffs with their perfect 7-0 record.
“Siguro gumana ‘yung team chemistry namin at nagka-intindihan kaming lahat sa gusto naming mangyari. ‘Yun nga lang, sa mga bagay na dapat naming ma-control, tulad ng mga errors, kailangang trabahuhin pa talaga,” interim head coach Manolo Refugia said.
Rookie Casiey Dongallo once again led the Lady Red Warriors with 25 points, but it was not enough as the squad slipped to 5-2, but will still advance to the Final Four round.
Meanwhile, Enderun Colleges Lady Titans snapped their losing skid as they stunned NCAA squad Mapua University Lady Cardinals, 25-23, 25-21, 25-18.
Althea Botor was named the Player of the Game as she came through with eight points on four attacks and four service aces, to go with six excellent digs and five excellent receptions for the Lady Titans.
Bacolodnon Erika Jin Deloria spearheaded the offense with 17 points, 14 of which came from attacks. Zenneth Perolino added 12 on 10 spikes and two blocks for the Lady Titans, which bounced back from a five-set loss to the Lyceum Lady Pirates on September 8.
“I’m happy for my team. I’m happy for my players kasi nung mga nakaraan muntik-muntikan na. ‘Yung mga lapses lang namin nung mga nakaraan sa transition points. Kanina ‘yung transition namin, maganda naman,” Enderun coach Dong dela Cruz said.
Roxie dela Cruz led the way with nine markers for the Lady Cardinals, who dropped to a 1-5 win-loss slate with still a game left in their schedule./ASC, WDJ