FAR Eastern University brushed off a first set loss to beat University of the East, 16-25, 28-26, 25-13, 25-21, and complete a seven-match sweep of the V-League Collegiate Challenge eliminations at the Paco Arena yesterday.

“Siguro gumana yung team chemistry namin. Nagkaintindihan kami sa gusto naming mangyari,” said interim coach Manalo Refugia after the Lady Tamaraws pinned the Lady Tamaraws a second straight loss.

UE capitalized on FEU’s error-filled game in the opening set before the Morayta-based side got into the groove of things in the next three sets to conquer the one-hour, 56-minute contest.

“Siguro nandoon yung gigil. Slow start. Yung gigil talaga. Hindi na sila nagkakaintindihan. Siguro nakapag-reset lang at iyon, nakuha namin,” said Refugia.

Chenie Tagaod paced the Lady Tamaraws with 16 points and eight receptions, Mitzi Panangin had three blocks for a 13-point outing while Jazlyn Ellarina added 12 points, including a match-best three service aces.

Aside from lobbing 18 excellent sets, Tin Ubaldo was helpful in defending the net, logging five of FEU’s 11 blocks.

All 10 Lady Tamaraws rotation players fielded in by Refugia contributed at least a point.

Casiey Dongallo had 25 points to become UE’s lone double-digit scorer.

In men’s play, Ateneo pounded out a 25-23, 26-24, 25-9 victory over defending champion National University to advance to the semifinals.

After surviving close calls in the first two sets, the Blue Eagles imposed their will in the third, storming to a huge 16-6 lead and never looked back to close out their preliminary round campaign with a 5-2 slate.

FEU kept its flickering semis hopes alive as it trounced Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-21, 25-18, 25-21, to end the elims with a 4-3 mark with two playdates left.

Ken Batas led Ateneo’s assault with 17 points on 14-of-25 attacks and fired two service aces while Jian Salarzon had three blocks for a 14-point outing.

James Licauco provided stability for the Blue Eagles, tossing in 12 excellent sets.

“I was happy na kinapitan nila ‘yung (second set). Sumunod sila sa game plan namin na kailangan lang naming mag-serve ng maayos at ‘yung target, and everything else will follow,” said Ateneo coach Timmy Sto. Tomas.

“Tapos nakita ko naman ‘yung iba, lahat ng bola dinedepensahan na. So, with that, I was very happy,” he added.

Jade Disquitado logged 11 points on 9-of-18 spikes and had two blocks while Mike Buddin added nine poinrs for the Bulldogs, who slipped to 3-3.

NU is now on a must-win situation against the also-ran San Beda side on Sunday to save its semis bid.

With the score tied at 20 in the third, the Tamaraws went to Dryx Saavedra, who responded to preside the team’s 5-1 closing run at the service line before Andrei Delicana finished it off with a solid cross-court kill.

“Siguro ‘yung cohesion ng bawat isa, ‘yung connection. Tignan mo, kahit sinong ipasok mo, kahit sinong starter mo, kahit sinong sub mo, nagco-connect eh. Kaya tingin ko ‘yun ‘yung magandang nangyari sa team ngayon,” said FEU mentor Edd Orcullo.

Saavedra led the Tamaraws charge with 16 points and four digs while Martin Bugaoan chipped in 10 points.

Marvin Romero and Frelwin Taculog each scored 12 points for the Generals, who wrapped up their stint with a 1-6 card.