By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE FAR Eastern University Lady Tamaraws outlasted the University of the East Lady Warriors in their highly competitive UAAP Season 81 match on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Arena, winning in five sets, 25-15, 24-26, 25-22, 20-25 and 15-9.
Challenged greatly by a UE crew, FEU held steady in the clutch to win its second game in a row after dropping its previous two matches to get back in the red with a 3-2 record in the ongoing University Athletic Association of the Philippines season.
The two teams split the opening two sets with FEU clinical with its game to take the first, 25-15, before UE dug deep in the second frame to hack out a 26-24 win to level the match.
In the third set the Lady Tamaraws were quick to create some separation led by rookie Lycha Ebon.
They raced to an 8-5 lead by the first technical timeout.
UE stayed within striking distance, paced by Mean Mendrez.
But Ebon and Cel Domingo would not allow FEU be denied of a set win as they conspired to help their team to a 25-22 count and a two sets to one lead for the match.
Getting some leverage, the Lady Tamaraws continued to hold sway at the start of the fourth frame.
They held a narrow 16-15 advantage by the second technical timeout.
FEU extended its lead to 20-17 after only to find itself stopped on its tracks by a ferocious UE fight back that saw the Lady Warriors finish the set with an 8-0 blast to send the contest to a deciding fifth set.
In the deciding set it was UE which came out on a firmer footing with Seth Rodriguez and Laizah Bendong joining in the mix.
The Lady Warriors was up, 8-7, at the exchange.
However, instead of going north, things went south for UE after that as it was outscored by FEU, 8-1, the rest of the way and saw the Lady Tamaraws going home with the win.
Ebon was solid with a career-best 21 points for FEU.
Domingo backstopped their rookie with 17 markers and Jeanette Villarreal adding 10.
For UE (1-4), which has now lost back-to-back, it wad Mendrez who led the way with 21 points followed by Rodriguez and Judith Abil with 10 points each.
FEU next plays on March 10 against Adamson University while UE returns a day earlier on March 9 versus the De La Salle Lady Spikers.

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