UST-FEU Final Four showdown set as NU seals No. 2 seed in UAAP women’s volleyball race 

The spotlight in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball now shifts to a winner-take-all battle between University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University, with the final Final Four ticket hanging.

Both squads are left standing after contrasting paths in the closing stretch of the eliminations, setting up a high-pressure playoff scheduled on April 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

UST finds itself in survival mode after dropping a tough reverse sweep loss to defending champions National University, 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 15-13. The defeat halted their push for a secure semifinals berth and forced them into a sudden-death scenario.

The Growling Tigresses, however, showed enough firepower to stay in the race. Angge Poyos delivered 24 points, 15 receptions, and nine digs, while Regina Jurado added 21 points and 16 digs. Cassie Carballo ran the offense with 25 excellent sets, and Detdet Pepito anchored the defense with 20-of-22 excellent receptions and 16 digs.

Despite the setback, Pepito emphasized composure and enjoyment amid the pressure-packed moment.

“Sinasabi ko palagi sa kanila na, ‘Guys, ayaw ko pang mag-pro, please. After na ng UAAP, saka ko iisipin kung last ko na. So focus lang talaga sa goal at trabahuhin yung mga weaknesses namin,” she said.

“Yung pressure, andoon na. Do-or-die na, lalo sa akin. Mabigat po talaga yung laro, pero kailangan mapakita ko sa mga bata na kailangan pa rin naming mag-enjoy. ‘Pag nag-e-enjoy kami, mas madaling maglaro,” the former UAAP Best Libero added.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

Here are the final team standings for the #UAAPSeason88 Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Tournaments at the end of the elimination round.

The Men’s playoff for the 2nd seed and the Women’s playoff for the 4th seed will be played on Saturday, April 25, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.… pic.twitter.com/NnzhNO7dJD

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) April 22, 2026

FEU, meanwhile, arrives with momentum after keeping its Final Four hopes alive with a four-set comeback win over Ateneo, 22-25, 23-25, 25-12, 25-21.

Gerzel Petallo led the charge with 17 points, 16 digs, and 11 receptions, while Lovely Lopez contributed 13 points and 26 receptions. Kyle Pendon also stepped up with 13 points built on a strong all-around effort.

With everything on the line, FEU head coach Tina Salak remains confident in her squad’s mindset heading into the knockout clash.

“Kung magkaroon pa kami ng chance, we’ll take it without any questions.I know mahirap, but for me, it’s about kung ano yung gusto namin. Dapat lahat kami pare-pareho,” veteran head coach said.

While the UST-FEU duel takes center stage, defending champions National University quietly completed their own business, finishing the elimination round with a 10-4 record to secure the No. 2 seed and a direct path to the Final Four, reinforcing their status as the team to beat in the postseason.

On the other hand, the De La Salle Lady Spikers have already secured a Finals berth after finishing the elimination round with a perfect 14-0 record, while Adamson University clinched the third seed.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!