Far Eastern University refused to bow out, outlasting Adamson University in four sets, 25-13, 25-22, 15-25, 25-23, to force a winner-take-all Game 3 in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals on Wednesday, October 8, at the City of Dasmariñas Arena.

Gerzel Petallo and Kyle Pendon powered the Lady Tamaraws’ offense, stepping up in crucial moments to keep their title hopes alive. The series now shifts to the Filoil EcoOil Centre for the deciding match on Friday.

Petallo leads balanced FEU attack

Petallo, recently named one of the league’s Best Outside Spikers, delivered an all-around performance with 15 points on 11 attacks and four kill blocks. She also tallied 12 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions to anchor FEU’s floor defense.

Pendon matched her output with 15 points built on 12 hits and three kill blocks. “Talagang tyinaga po namin kasi gustong gusto po talaga naming manalo. We want this game para sa amin po talaga, kaya ayun proper mindset talaga before pa lang ‘yung game mag-start. Strong mentality lang po talaga, winning mentality,” said Petallo.

The Lady Tamaraws nearly squandered a 22-18 cushion in the fourth set as Shaina Nitura, Frances Mordi, and Lhouriz Tuddao sparked a 5-1 Adamson rally to tie the game at 23-all. But the Lady Falcons faltered in the endgame when Red Bascon committed a costly service error. Jaz Ellarina then came up with a crucial block on Mordi to seal the win for FEU in a match that lasted nearly two hours.

Ellarina and Ubaldo deliver in crunch time

Ellarina finished with 11 points, while Alyzza Devosora contributed six excellent receptions. Team captain and playmaker Tin Ubaldo steered the offense with 23 excellent sets on top of three points. Mary Suplico added 14 excellent digs to anchor the defense.

The win allowed FEU to avenge its 18-25, 24-26, 25-23, 23-25 Game 1 defeat last Monday and keep its championship bid alive.

On the other side, newly crowned MVP Nitura led Adamson with a game-high 20 points on 18 attacks, one ace, and one block. She also recorded 14 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions. Mordi chipped in 13 points and 10 excellent receptions, while Tuddao added 12 points in the loss.