By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws opened the second round of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball with a dominant 25-11, 25-15, 25-22 victory over the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, March 18.

The Lady Tamaraws delivered a commanding performance throughout the match, controlling the tempo early and fending off a late push by the Lady Warriors in the third set to complete the sweep.

Negrense Melody Pons stepped up offensively with nine points, on six attacks, two blocks and a service ace to go with nine excellent digs and five excellent receptions as FEU improved to a 5-3 record.

“Sabi nga ni coach, hindi madali ‘yung adjustments, so huwag naming gawing joke ‘yung binibigay sa amin na role. In-embrace ko lang ‘yung ibinigay sa akin ni Coach T and sana po na-execute naman po nang maayos,” Pons said.

Faida Bakanke top-scored for the Lady Tamaraws with 14 points, on 12 attacks and two blocks, while Jazlyn Ellarina added 11 markers.

On the other hand, UE’s struggles continued as the Lady Warriors remained winless after eight games in the tournament.

Khy Cepada top-scored with 15 markers.

Meanwhile, the National University Lady Bulldogs leaned on a breakout performance from rookie Sam Cantada to overcome the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 24-26, 25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 15-8.

Cantada erupted for a career-high 32 points to go with 18 excellent receptions and 13 excellent digs as the Lady Bulldogs avenged their earlier loss to the Fighting Maroons in the first round.

Arah Panique also made her presence felt offensively with 19 markers as the defending champions Lady Bulldogs returned to their winning ways to improve to a 6-2 win-loss card.

Jelai Gajero led the way for the Fighting Maroons with 22 points and 14 excellent digs, Kianne Olango added 20 markers, while Bienne Bansil and Niña Ytang finished with 13 apiece as they fell to a 3-5 mark./ASC, WDJ