Lady Tams oust Tigresses, gain semis

Games Saturday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)?

2 p.m. – NU vs UST (men’s)

4 p.m. – FEU vs NU (women’s)

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern University hurdled its third straight do-or-die match, turning back University of Santo Tomas in the decider, 25-21, 25-15, 20-25, 16-25, 15-6, and clinching the last berth in the stepladder semifinals of the UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena last night.

The Lady Tamaraws banked on their solid blocking in the fifth set to seize control then went on to thwart the Tigresses and salvage the win after blowing the third and fourth sets.

Bernadette Pons had 17 hits and 12 digs, Geneveve Casugod also had 17 points, including five blocks, while rookie Heather Guino-o dished out a career-game 17 points for the Lady Tamaraws, who will face the National U Lady Bulldogs on Saturday for the right to face the twice-to-beat La Salle.

In men’s play, Ateneo bucked a third set setback to eliminate Adamson University, 25-16, 25-12, 26-28, 25-20, and advance to the finals for the second straight season.     ?

Ysay Marasigan came through with 23 points, including five blocks and four service aces, and came away with nine digs, while reigning MVP Marck Espejo drilled in 22 hits for the Eagles.         ?