Far Eastern University wasted no time in dismantling College of Saint Benilde, cruising to a 25-14, 25-20, 25-18 sweep to clinch its third consecutive Finals appearance in the 2025 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge on Thursday, October 2, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The second-seeded Lady Tamaraws, who missed the services of opposite hitter Faida Bakanke due to a minor knee injury, proved unstoppable behind the firepower of Gerzel Petallo and Jaz Ellarina. Their balanced attack sent FEU back to the championship stage after two straight runner-up finishes, where they will challenge unbeaten Adamson University.

Petallo, Ellarina anchor Lady Tamaraws’ sweep

Petallo and Ellarina scored 11 points apiece, with Petallo also steadying the floor defense through nine receptions. The duo ignited FEU’s momentum early, and with contributions from Lovely Lopez and Clarisse Loresco, the Lady Tamaraws refused to let Benilde build any rhythm.

FEU pulled away in the second set with a 9-4 finishing kick, capped by Lopez’s down-the-line strike and Petallo’s offspeed conversion. From there, the Lady Tamaraws kept the Lady Blazers at bay, closing the match in just 66 minutes with a cut shot from Petallo.

Salak praises team effort amid key absence

Lady Tamaraws head coach Tina Salak lauded her team for stepping up without Bakanke, stressing the hunger of the squad to finally capture the elusive crown.

“Si Faida got injured last night kaya lahat kailangan mag-step up. Up against Adamson, panibagong aral ito sa amin para makuha yung title,” Salak said.

Lopez added eight points alongside 10 receptions and seven digs, while Alas Pilipinas member Loresco contributed eight markers. On the other side, CSB’s Camila Bartolome topscored with 18 points but could not prevent the Lady Blazers from sliding into the bronze-medal match for the second straight year, where they will face Arellano University.

Game 1 of the Finals between FEU and Adamson is set on Monday, October 6, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.