NU, FEU delivers a double sweep as UAAP women’s volleyball race tightens

Wednesday UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball match turned into an emphatic response in the volleyball tournament, as defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs and surging FEU Lady Tamaraws authored straight-set victories at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

For National University, it was about regaining control. For Far Eastern University, it was about sustaining momentum.

Stung by their first loss of the season to the UP Fighting Maroons last Saturday, the two-time defending champions wasted little time reasserting their authority, dismantling the UE Lady Warriors, 25-19, 25-10, 25-19.

Rather than dwell on setbacks, NU showcased its depth, a hallmark of championship programs. Sophomore Celine Marsh, tapped to start in place of injured rookie Sam Cantada, delivered a composed all-around performance with 11 points off eight spikes, two aces, and a block, on top of 12 excellent digs and four receptions.

“I never really doubted Celine’s performance. I never really feel like na malaki ‘yung mawawala kapag may isang player na hindi makakalaro kasi I have somebody else to help the team. Tulungan lang talaga kami,” said NU head coach Regine Diego.

While team captain Vange Alinsug earned Player of the Game after tallying 10 points, seven digs, and seven receptions, and Arah Panique paced Lady Bulldog’s scoring with 12 points.

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Here are the team standings in the #UAAPSeason88 Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Tournament after the games today, March 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.#StrengthInMotionHopeInAction pic.twitter.com/3CcdBaMiwn

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) March 4, 2026

On the other side, Van Bangayan led UE with 12 points and five receptions, while Khy Cepada chipped in 10 points, seven receptions, and six digs. Still searching for their first win, the Lady Warriors dropped to 0-5 and will next face unbeaten La Salle.

With the victory, NU climbed to 4-1, claiming solo second place and sending a clear message that its championship pulse remains steady.

In the 3 p.m. match, FEU proved that resilience can be just as decisive as dominance.

The Lady Tamaraws secured their second straight win by sweeping the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 25-17, 25-17, 26-24, but the third set demanded grit.

Ateneo pushed FEU to the brink late in the frame, threatening to extend the match before the Tamaraws steadied themselves to close it out in deuce.

Faida Bakanke led FEU with 12 points, while Gerzel Petallo anchored the floor defense with 13 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs, adding nine points. Jazlyn Ellarina showcased her versatility with 11 points built on five spikes, three aces, and three blocks, while Clarisse Loresco chipped in eight.

For Ateneo, Geezel Tsunashima delivered her best outing of the season with 11 points, aided by Jihan Chuatico’s seven. Despite flashes of competitiveness including handing La Salle its lone set loss of the season last Saturday. The Blue Eagles remained winless after five games and as the tournament heads deeper into the first round, the separation lines are beginning to form.

NU reestablished its championship form. FEU is building rhythm. UE and Ateneo continue to search for answers.

Action resumes over the weekend at the Big Dome, with UE Lady Warriors taking on DLSU Lady Spikers at 1 p.m., followed by Adamson Lady Falcons clashing with UST Golden Tigresses at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

On Sunday, the schedule opens with NU Lady Bulldogs battling the Ateneo Lady Eagles, then UP Fighting Maroons will face FEU Lady Tamaraws.

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