Far Eastern University secured a spot in the semifinal round of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after pulling off a 22-25, 25-12, 25-17, 25-15 comeback win over Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
The Lady Tamaraws improved their record to 5-1, putting them in strong contention for the second seed, with Gerzel Petallo and Kyle Pendon spearheading the offense.
Petallo, now in her third year, delivered an all-around performance with 17 points built on 12 attacks, three blocks, and two aces, on top of 12 digs and nine excellent receptions. Pendon chipped in 11 points to bolster the victory.
Still, it was the steady orchestration of rookie setter Karyll Miranda that turned the tide for FEU, as she tallied 17 excellent sets and dictated the flow of the match.
"Siguro kasi palapit na nang palapit ang UAAP, so kailangan namin, sa mga games namin na paparating maging seryoso na at gawin 'yung sistema na dapat naming ginagawa," said Miranda, a former standout from National University Nazareth School.
"Kasi 'tong UAAP may goal kami na gustong makuha. Kaya siguro 'yun din 'yung pinanghahawakan ng team na every day kailangan naming maglaro nang maayos."
Ateneo came out strong in the opening frame, with Zey Pacia and Grydelle Matibag leading the charge against a shaky FEU side. But that proved to be the Blue Eagles’ lone highlight, as the Lady Tamaraws settled into their rhythm and dominated the next three sets.
FEU will close out its preliminary campaign against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (2-4) on September 29 at the FilOil Centre, aiming for added momentum heading into the semifinals.
Pacia and Matibag finished with 10 points apiece for Ateneo, while Dona De Leon contributed nine. The Blue Eagles wrapped up their run with a 1-6 record, settling for eighth place.
