Fourth set comeback propels UP past FEU in women's volleyball

University of the Philippines roared back from a big deficit in the fourth set to grind out a 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23 win against Far Eastern University and remain undefeated early in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. 

The Fighting Maroons, who were coming off a hard-fought five-set victory against University of the East during the opening weekend, improved to 2-0 while the Lady Tamaraws fell to an even 1-1 card. 

With the victory as well, UP has already surpassed its total output in Season 86, where the squad only racked up one win against 13 losses to finish at the bottom. 

UP was once staring at a 14-8 hole in the fourth set as the Lady Tamaraws threatened to extend the game into a deciding fifth set, but the wards of head coach Tina Salak refused and worked their way up again. 

One-and-done player Kassy Doering provided the spark, cutting the deficit to one at 18-19 before Jaz Manguilimotan and Yesha Noceja served up an ace and a push, respectively, to give UP a slim 20-19 cushion. 

Kianne Olango and Joan Monares then went for attacks that saw them enjoying a 22-20 lead before the former rejected Chenie Tagaod to deliver the match point, 24-22. 

Season 86 2nd Best Middle Blocker Niña Ytang then sealed it with authority, going for a soft touch off a set-up from Manguilimotan as FEU's floor defense caught napping. 

Earlier, FEU swept UP in the men's division, 25-21, 25-16, 25-18.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News