Recently named Best Outside Spiker, Gerzel Petallo of the Far Eastern University helps the Tamaraws force a “Winner Take All” Game 3 of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals.
Petallo and Kyle Pendon Delivers a Masterclass Performance in Game 2
After losing in 4-Sets last October 6 in the Game 1 of the Finals, the FEU Lady Tamaraws showed composure in Game 2 last October 8 against Adamson University to extend the series.
The Lady Tamaraws wasted no time asserting control, dominating the opening frame behind their aggressive net defense and efficient attacking. Behind the steady play of Gerzel Petallo and Kyle Pendon, FEU built a quick lead and comfortably took the first set.
Adamson tried to regain momentum in the next frame, but FEU continued to dictate the tempo.
With setter Tin Ubaldo distributing the ball well and the team’s floor defense clicking, the Lady Tamaraws fended off several Lady Falcon rallies. Petallo and Pendon delivered timely hits to keep Adamson at bay, securing the second set and taking a 2-0 match advantage.
Down two sets, the Lady Falcons found their rhythm in the third frame. Newly-crowned MVP Shaina Nitura led the charge, scoring heavily through consistent attacks and service pressure. Supported by Frances Mordi and Lhouriz Tuddao,
Adamson built a comfortable lead and sustained it to close out the Set 3.
The fourth set turned into a tightly contested battle, with FEU initially controlling the pace and building a 22-18 cushion. However, Adamson refused to go down quietly as Nitura, Mordi, and Tuddao fueled a determined 5-1 rally to level the score at 23-all.
Just as the momentum seemed to shift, Adamson faltered in the crucial moments. Red Bascon committed a service error, handing FEU a one-point edge before Jaz Ellarina came up with a decisive block on Mordi to close the match after nearly two hours of intense play.
FINAL SCORES = Set 1: 25-13, Set 2: 25-22, Set 3: 25-15, Set 4: 25-23
Petallo delivered a stellar all-around performance with 15 points on 11 attacks and four kill blocks, along with 12 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions. Pendon matched her teammate’s production with 15 points built on 12 attacks and three blocks, stepping up during crucial stretches to keep the Lady Tamaraws in control.
“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 Gerzel.
“Pinaghandaan po talaga kasi namin, sobrang pinaghandaan namin. Proper mindset po talaga ‘yung ginagawa namin na kayang kaya talaga. Magagawa namin ‘yung mga naging lapses namin. Talagang pinaghandaan po namin,” she added.
Ellarina also chipped in 11 points, including the game-clinching block, while Alyzza Devosora anchored the team’s floor defense with six excellent receptions.
Team captain and playmaker Tin Ubaldo was instrumental in orchestrating the offense, tallying 23 excellent sets alongside three points. On defense, Mary Suplico protected the back row with 14 excellent digs, ensuring FEU could transition smoothly from defense to attack.
For the side of the Lady Falcons, Nitura proved unstoppable during the run, finishing with 20 points built on 18 attacks, one ace, and one block, while also tallying 14 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions. Mordi contributed 13 points which was all from attacks and the added 10 receptions, while Tuddao chipped in 12 points to keep Adamson in contention.
The “Winner Takes All” Game 3 will happen on October 10, Friday at FilOil EcoOil Arena at San Juan City.
