Far Eastern University’s Gerzel Petallo against University of Santo Tomas’ blockers in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA (UPDATED) — Far Eastern University scored a hard-earned win over University of Santo Tomas to open its UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball second-round campaign.

The Lady Tamaraws completed a comeback in the fourth frame to complete their 25-22, 26-24, 17-25, 26-24 victory over the Golden Tigresses on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Faida Bakanke put up 22 points on 18 attacks, two blocks, and two aces with five digs, while Gerz Petallo did damage in the fourth set, scoring five of her 12 points to erase their six-point deficit. 

"Proud ako sa effort namin, kasi gusto talaga naming manalo," said Petallo, who also had 15 digs, seven receptions, and a set. 

"Talagang ginusto po namin manalo, at hindi po talaga namin bibitawan yung set na yun. If bitawan namin, may next set pa so mas delikado kami nun. Mas ginusto lang naming manalo," she added. 

Down 16-10 in the fourth, Petallo rallied her teammates by unleashing a four-to-nothing spurt to cut their deficit to two, midway through the frame.

This later on allowed the Lady Tams to only trail by a point, 24-23, as the fourth set neared its end, and this was when Chenie Tagaod stepped up, delivering an off-speed to tie the game. After this, Mitzi Paningin's service ace and Jean Asis' block eventually ended the game. 

FEU head coach Tina Salak hailed the efforts of her squad, saying that this showed how they have been continuously building their character. 

"Ngayon ko lang nakita yung team na behind kami, pero nagma-mature sila," pointed out Salak. "Hindi birong habulin yung six, pero yung maturity nila, doon sila nag improve."

After this contest, the two teams are now tied at 5-3 in the team standings, as UST absorbed its second straight defeat since they were dumped by National University a week ago in the Round 1 closer.

Reg Jurado led the Tigresses with 20 points,15 digs, and two receptions, Beth Hilongo delivered her best game so far for UST with 17 points, 11 digs, and nine receptions, while Angge Poyos was kept in check, finishing with 14.

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