The FEU-Diliman girls' volleyball team in the UAAP Season 89 girls' volleyball tournament. UAAP Media
MANILA — Far Eastern University-Diliman on Friday barged into the win column of the UAAP Season 89 girls' volleyball tournament by sweeping UP Integrated School, 25-14, 25-15, 25-19, at the Paco Arena in Manila.
FEU-Diliman, last year's runners-up, got off to a sluggish start in Season 89 and dropped their first two assignments of the tournament.
But they finally got a much-needed breakthrough at the expense of the Fighting Maroons.
"Maganda naman 'yung ginalaw ngayon ng mga bata pero sana, kung ano man 'yung kulang pa namin, sana ma-improve pa," said FEU-D head coach Joanne Bunag.
"Sana magtuloy-tuloy na kasi galing kami ng dalawang talo. Sana itong unang panalo namin, magtuloy-tuloy na hanggang sa madala namin doon sa second round. Maraming games pa, malayo pa, mahaba pa ang season," she added.
The Baby Tamaraws quickly built a 16-6 advantage in the third set, their biggest lead of the frame, after a three-point run capped by back-to-back kills from Joeyana Bongo.
FEU-D remained in control from there, with Nigerian standout MJ Udeagbala sending the Baby Tamaraws to match point at 24-15.
UPIS, however, fended off four match points, capitalizing on two FEU-D attack errors and a pair of attacks from Anya Callo to stay alive. Udeagbala finally broke through on the fifth attempt, drilling the match-winning kill.
Udeagbala powered FEU-D with 14 points, tallying 10 attacks and four blocks in the 67-minute affair. Diosa Perez chipped in nine points, while Bongo added eight.
Portia Asistio kept the Baby Tamaraws’ offense in rhythm with nine excellent sets, while Querstine Paragas anchored the backcourt with 14 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions on 11 attempts.
Niña Abad paced the Junior Fighting Maroons with 10 points, including eight attacks and two aces.
With the victory, FEU-D improved to 1-2 and joined the three-way tie for fifth through seventh place.
UPIS, meanwhile, dropped to 1-2 after suffering its second straight loss following a season-opening victory over University of the East.