Far Eastern University secured a spot in the semifinal round of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after pulling off a 22-25, 25-12, 25-17, 25-15 comeback win over Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday, September 10, at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.

The Lady Tamaraws improved to 5-1 and look poised to fight for the second seed, with Gerzel Petallo and Kyle Pendon spearheading the offense. Petallo — now in her third year — finished with 17 points (12 attacks, three blocks, two aces) and added 12 digs and nine excellent receptions. Pendon contributed 11 points. Rookie setter Karyll Miranda orchestrated the rally with 17 excellent sets and steady game management.

“Siguro kasi palapit na nang palapit ang UAAP, so kailangan namin, sa mga games namin na paparating maging seryoso na at gawin ‘yung sistema na dapat naming ginagawa,” Miranda said. “Kasi ‘tong UAAP may goal kami na gustong makuha. Kaya siguro ‘yun din ‘yung pinanghahawakan ng team na every day kailangan namin maglaro nang maayos.”

Miranda’s steady play turns tide

Ateneo jumped to an early advantage by taking the first set 25-22, with Zey Pacia and Grydelle Matibag providing early punch. FEU, however, regrouped in the second set, using improved serve pressure and tighter blocking to seize momentum. The Lady Tamaraws dominated set two, 25-12, then controlled the third and fourth frames behind timely Petallo kills, Pendon strikes, and Miranda’s distribution to turn a one-set deficit into a four-set victory.

With the win FEU moves to 5-1 and will close its preliminary schedule against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (2-4) on September 29 at the FilOil Centre, aiming to strengthen its position ahead of the semis. Ateneo ends the eliminations at 1-6 in eighth place; Pacia and Matibag finished with 10 points apiece while Dona De Leon added nine for the Blue Eagles.