PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Far Eastern University staged a block party to close the University Athletic Association Season 86 women's volleyball first-round with back-to-back wins after downing Ateneo de Manila University, 25-22, 22-25, 25-13, 25-21, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Tamaraws, who previously defeated Adamson University, rose to 4-3 for solo hold of the fourth spot entering the second round.

"The 15 blocks were the result of our practice and careful study of their game because Ateneo tends to toss the ball high we need to time it," said FEU head coach Manolo Refugia on their season-high 15 blocks.

"What we trained for showed in this game," he added.

University of Santo Tomas topped the first-round with a perfect 7-0 record, while defending champion De La Salle University and National University are not far behind with 6-1 and 5-2 slates, respectively.

'We are happy that we are currently at fourth place but it is still round one and we are thinking of ways on how to step up our game in the second round.'

After giving up the second set to the Blue Eagles, the Lady Tamaraws rediscovered their fight and routed their foes in the third, 25-13.

Through the efforts of Lyann de Guzman and Zey Pacia, Ateneo slashed the gap to two late in the fourth, 20-22, but Gerzel Petallo and Faida Bakanke refused to deny FEU the victory that it posted after two hours of play.

"We are happy that we are currently at fourth place but it is still round one and we are thinking of ways on how to step up our game in the second round," said Tin Ubaldo, who tossed 15 excellent sets to go with four attacks and a couple of blocks.

Chenie Tagaod led the Tamaraws with 18 points she laced with 13 receptions and 10 digs, while Bakanke and Petallo had team-best four blocks each on their way to 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Jean Asis also finished with 12 points on nine attacks, two blocks, and a service ace.

The Blue Eagles fell to a tie with the Lady Falcons for fifth to sixth places at 2-5.

De Guzman scored 14 in the losing cause while also getting 16 digs and 14 receptions. Sobe Buena and Geezel Tsunashima also chimed in 11 points apiece for Ateneo.