Lady Tams stave off elimination

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern stayed alive in the race for the two remaining Final Four berths as it fashioned out a dominant 25-21, 25-21, 25-22 victory over National University yesterday in the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tourney at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Bernadeth Pons hammered 14 kills and landed two aces for 16 points to go with 16 excellent receptions while Toni Basas chalked up 14 markers as the Lady Tams improved to 7-6 and caught up with the Lady Bulldogs at joint fifth.

FEU and NU stood half a game behind third and fourth-running University of the Philippines and Santo Tomas (7-5).

Jaja Santiago punched in 20 points as Jorelle Singh added 11 for the Lady Bulldogs, whose cause was hurt by their 27 errors.

“This game really boosted our morale, especially in our preparation in our upcoming game against UP,” said FEU assistant coach Arielito Canlas whose charges scored a much-needed back-to-back victories and need another against the Lady Maroons to stave off elimination.

The Lady Tams’ big triumph overshadowed La Salle’s routine 25-13, 25-14, 25-16 beatdown of winless Adamson in the first game.

On doctors’ advice, the Lady Spikers sat out Kim Dy, who suffered a mild left ankle sprain in the previous match, but showed enough firepower to notch their 11th victory in 13 outings and the solo lead.

Majoy Baron churned out 13 points on six hits, four denials and three aces while Kim Fajardo dished out 18 excellent sets as DLSU booked their sixth straight W to warm up for its much anticipated duel with archrival Ateneo next weekend.