AFTER a grueling two months of UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball, four teams have secured their spots in the next round. They will now battle it out for the opportunity to claim this season’s championship.
Who is going to emerge victorious and claim the title this season? Who will come out on top: the NU Lady Bulldogs and UST Golden Tigresses, or will the DLSU Lady Spikers and FEU Lady Tamaraws pull off a surprise?
In a stunning display of dominance, NU, the former season 84 champion and season 85 finalist, has reclaimed their spot at the top. With an impressive 7-0 sweep in the crucial ender of the regular season, they have secured the coveted first seed.
While UST has secured the second seed, earning the other twice-to-beat advantage. In a stunning display of skill and determination, the Golden Tigresses delivered a resounding victory over the formidable DLSU Lady Spikers, leaving no doubt about their prowess on the court.
FEU has staged an impressive comeback to the Final Four, defying all odds. It is worth noting that just two years ago, their record stood at a dismal 1-13. The Lady Tamaraws wrapped up the elimination round with an impressive 9-5 record.
The first to go at it
The initial contender NU is aiming for a third consecutive Finals appearance as they face off against FEU, who are eager to savor their return to the Final Four after a five-year absence. The match will take place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum this afternoon.
The Lady Bulldogs have been dominating the league this season. In today’s 4 p.m. match, they will aim to easily defeat the Lady Tamaraws, even with their twice-to-beat advantage and added relief.
“Kapag narinig kasi yung twice-to-beat, parang nakakagaan siya sa pakiramdam ng mga player. Pero yun nga, hindi dapat kami umabot sa puntong magagamit namin yung twice-to-beat,” said Bella Belen.
“Maganda lang siyang pakinggan sa mga player na ang sarap sa pakiramdam na twice-to-beat tayo kasi parang may suporta na nangyayari, pero hindi na namin papahantungin doon,” the Season 84 Rookie MVP added.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
In a thrilling match on April 13, the Lady Tamaraws achieved their biggest triumph of the season by defeating the Tigresses in a five-set thriller. This victory came during the second round of the elimination phase.
Despite a disappointing 0-2 record against NU in the elimination round, the Morayta-based squad is ready to rewrite their story in the Final Four.
Coach Manolo Refugia believes that the extended break before the Final Four will give the Lady Tamaraws ample time to analyze and understand the playing style of the Lady Bulldogs.
“Siguro mag focus muna kami doon sa unang game talaga. Talagang ibuhos muna doon yung focus namin, yung paniniwala namin na kaya naman, na kailangan talaga yung pasensiya namin sa bawat isa para maibigay namin yung best,” Refugia said.
España na, o Taft parin?
This Sunday, a highly anticipated match in the Final Four will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena. It’s a showdown between long-standing rivals, the UST Golden Tigresses and DLSU Lady Spikers.
The Golden Tigresses put on an impressive performance in front of a crowd of 14,939 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on April 27. Despite the return of reigning MVP Angel Canino, De La Salle University was unable to secure a victory.
In a thrilling match, the España-based squad emerged victorious with a final score of 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-15, securing a valuable twice-to-beat advantage as they advance to the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Final Four.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
“Maganda ito pagpasok ng top four kasi nga malaking malaking panalo yung nangyari ngayong gabi, nakuha namin yung ini-aim namin na hindi lang basta makapasok ng Final Four but magkaroon kami ng twice-to-beat advantage,” expressed head coach Kungfu Reyes following their game.
In a blow to their lineup, Angel Canino was absent for several games leading up to their final match. Her return against the Golden Tigresses had a significant impact on the team’s chemistry. However, a one week hiatus could potentially alter the entire landscape.
Despite not meeting the anticipated performance, the Lady Spiker will persevere with the spirit of a true champion. Showing that perhaps they may not have the bonus, but their experience will speak for itself.
This season, no team is considered a clear favorite to make it to the finals, unlike in previous years. Get ready for another thrilling UAAP volleyball weekend action that will have you on the edge of your seat.
