Far Eastern University (FEU) reasserted its mastery of University of Santo Tomas (UST), capping off a thrilling come-from-behind fourth set to secure a 25-22, 26-24, 17-25, 26-24 victory in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

With their backs against the wall in the fourth set, the Lady Tamaraws rallied from a six-point deficit to snatch the win, forcing a tie at third place with a 5-3 win-loss record alongside UST, which suffered back-to-back defeats.

This victory marked FEU’s first head-to-head sweep against UST since Season 80 in 2018.

“I had high expectations for the team because I’ve given them greater responsibility this second round. The stakes are higher now in terms of team positioning, so hopefully, this is a good start, and we look forward to more wins,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak.

With UST ahead 16-10 in the fourth set and threatening to force a decider, Gerzel Petallo took charge, scoring four consecutive points to give FEU a 20-19 lead. The Tigresses fought back, reaching set point at 24-23 after an attack error by Faida Bakanke.

However, the Lady Tamaraws held their composure. Chenie Tagaod, coming off the bench, delivered a clutch drop ball to tie the score, followed by Mitzi Panangin’s lone ace of the match to hand FEU match point. Jean Asis then sealed the win with a crucial block on Reg Jurado’s attack.

“I’m proud of our team’s effort. We really wanted to win, and we gave it everything we had,” said Petallo, who finished with 12 points.

Bakanke had her best performance of the season with 22 points on 18 spikes, two aces, and two blocks, while Jazlyn Ellarina impressed in her starting role with 12 points.

Jurado led UST with 20 points and 15 digs, while surprise starter Maribeth Hilongo contributed a career-high 17 points, nine receptions, and 11 digs. Season 86 Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos was limited to 14 points.

On the other hand, De La Salle University bounced back from a second-set slip to claim a 25-22, 25-27, 25-21, 25-17 victory over defending champion National University (NU), kicking off its second-round campaign in the men’s volleyball tournament on a high note.

Noel Kampton led the Green Spikers with 25 points on 21 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while Vince Maglinao contributed 20 points, including three blocks. Rui Ventura added 14 points from nine attacks, three blocks, and an ace.

The loss ended NU’s four-game winning streak, dropping the Bulldogs to second place with a 6-2 record. Jade Disquitado paced NU with 15 points, while Buds Buddin was held to 12 points on 11 attacks and one block. Leo Aringo chipped in 10 points.

Meanwhile, UST has a chance to join Ateneo and La Salle at joint third place if it manages to hand FEU its first loss of the season in the second match of Sunday’s quadruple-header.

FEU extended its perfect run in the men’s volleyball tournament, rallying from six points down in the third set to secure a 26-24, 25-23, 25-19 sweep of UST.

With a well-balanced attack from Mikko Espartero, Ariel Cacao and Dryx Saavedra, the Tamaraws improved to 8-0 while sending the Golden Spikers to their third straight defeat.

Cacao played a pivotal role in orchestrating the offense with 28 excellent sets, leading to two FEU players reaching double figures. Espartero top-scored with 18 points from 17 kills and one block, while Saavedra provided ample support with 13 points.

Two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Josh Ybanez led UST with 15 points, while Jayrack dela Noche added 12 points on 11 attacks and one block in the losing effort.