Gerzel Petallo has never been one to shy away from big moments, and on a crucial Saturday afternoon at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, she rose to the occasion for Far Eastern University (FEU).

With the Lady Tamaraws needing a spark to close out its University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 87 women’s volleyball elimination campaign on a high note, it was Petallo who delivered with poise, power and heart.

She led the Lady Tamaraws with a performance that not only broke a six-year drought against De La Salle University but also announced her arrival as one of the team’s new cornerstones heading into the Final Four.

Playing with fearless energy, Petallo anchored FEU’s spirited charge that toppled La Salle — the Season 85 champion — with a four-set beatdown, 25-20, 28-26, 20-25, 25-23.

The victory sent a strong message that the Lady Tamaraws are ready to challenge the best, and Petallo is determined to lead the way.

“I just really wanted to give everything for the team,” said Petallo, who finished with 19 points on 16 attacks, one block, and two aces, to help FEU forge a tie with La Salle at 9-5.

The Lady Tamaraws, however, settled for the No. 4 seed because of set ratio, locking them into a Final Four clash with twice-to-beat National University (NU).

“We knew we had to fight hard if we wanted to end the eliminations strong.”

Petallo said they are approaching the challenge with fearless energy.

“We really need to double our effort because they are the defending champions, and they will not just hand over the game to us. We have to work hard and really train for it,” Petallo said.

Tin Ubaldo agreed, praising NU’s composure, especially under the leadership of Bella Belen.

“Like Gerz (Petallo) said, even if NU is trailing, they stay calm and can come back anytime. That’s because they trust their leader (Belen) and their system,” the setter-captain said.