Far Eastern University’s Faida Bakanke against University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media

MANILA (UPDATED) — Far Eastern University overcame a Set 3 setback and a Set 4 scare to take care of business against University of the Philippines.

Behind Faida Bakanke's heroics, the Lady Tamaraws moved past the Fighting Maroons, 25-21, 25-16, 14-25, 26-24, during their UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball faceoff, Sunday afternoon at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Bakanke led the Morayta-based hitters by delivering 20 points on 17 attacks and three blocks on top of seven digs, and it allowed FEU to improve to 7-4 and also win three out of their four assignments. 

Also among those who provided Bakanke help were Gerz Petallo (14 points, 13 receptions, and 10 digs), Chenie Tagaod (14 points, 18 receptions, three digs), and Tin Ubaldo who tossed 17 excellent sets with five points, one of which being the game-sealing block.

After seeing their 12-3 lead turn into a 20-16 disadvantage, Bakanke scored three of FEU's next four points to tie the fourth set at 20 apiece.

The Fighting Maroons, however, took the lead back, 21-20, all thanks to an off-the-block kill by Irah Jaboneta, and this eventually led the two squads exchanging hits and errors.

When both teams were tied at 24, UP committed a crucial error which put FEU at match point, while it was a block from Ubaldo on Joan Monares that finally locked the victory for FEU.

"Para akong nanonood ng action tapos biglang drama, ang hirap para sa amin i-maintain 'yung lead pero nakita ko 'yung maturity ng players kung paano namin i-handle 'yung behind four points. Very happy na nagkaroon kami ng ganoong turnout," said FEU head coach Tina Salak.

This win, on the other hand, resulted in UP not only seeing its three-game streak come to an end. The Fighting Maroons also now sit at 5-6 in the standings, two fewer wins and a loss more than FEU and University of Santo Tomas which are both currently at 7-4. 

Kianne Olango, Jaboneta, and Monares all had 13 points to lead UP, while Jaz Manguilimotan and Julia de Leon tossed 10 and five sets, respectively.

Meanwhile, the result of this game allowed National University to officially clinch its spot in the Season 87 Final 4.