The UP Fighting Maroons survived the gritty Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, 25-12, 25-22, 24-26, 29-27,15-11, in Season 84 of the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) women’s volleyball tournament on May 7 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The Fighting Maroons looked to register a quick victory after winning the first two sets in a dominating fashion but came flat down the stretch of the third set. Ahead by five points, 22-17, the Fighting Maroons committed consecutive errors and faulty receptions giving the Lady Tamaraws the win in the game’s third frame.

In the fourth set, UP was on the brink of wrapping up the game by establishing a three-match point advantage but lost steam and fell apart anew, sending the match to a decider.

UP regrouped in the decider and established a commanding 11-3 lead, keeping FEU at bay.

However, the Lady Tamaraws fought back to cut UP’s lead to three, 13-10. In the next rally, UP’s Alyssa Bertolano scored on an attack to put the Fighting Maroons at match point, 14-10. In the ensuing play, FEU’s Chen Tagaod blocked Bertolano’s spike before the latter finished off the game through a combination play.

Bertolano again paced the Fighting Maroons with 25 points, 11 excellent receptions, and 10 excellent digs. Irah Jaboneta also had a superb game collecting 13 points, 14 excellent receptions, and 12 excellent digs, while Lorie Bernardo and Jewel Encarnacion chipped in 13 points and 12 points, respectively. The Fighting Maroons now has a 2-0 record. UP will take on the University of Santo Tomas on May 10, Tuesday, 10 a.m.