INQUIRER Sports

GAMES SUNDAY (The Arena, San Juan)
12 nn—Ateneo vs Lyceum
2 p.m.—San Sebastian vs Adamson

MANILA, Philippines—Adamson and San Sebastian, the dominant teams of the Shakey’s V-League Season 5 until Thursday, now find themselves in an unusual predicament.

“It’s quite interesting. We worked hard to come up with the best records throughout the conference and we end up in a knockout match against each other,” said San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb, whose Lady Stags finished the elimination-round at 9-1, good for a share of the lead with the Lady Falcons.

Adamson and San Sebastian lost their grip on the top spots Thursday, after bowing to Ateneo and Lyceum, respectively, in twin upsets that sent the single-round semifinals down to the very last day at The Arena in San Juan.

With Thai import Phanusit Em-orn hitting 33 points, including eight in the deciding set, Ateneo pulled off a thrilling 14-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-22, 15-13 victory over San Sebastian. Sparked by the combination of Beverly Boto and Dahlia Cruz, Lyceum overcame Adamson, 25-23, 25-22, 18-25, 25-22.

The Lady Falcons of coach Dulce Pante and Lady Stags try to put their upset losses behind them when they play for the last championship berth at 2 p.m., while Ateneo and Lyceum dispute the other slot at 12 noon.

“Definitely, we will be going all out against them (Adamson),” said Gorayeb, who steered the Lady Stags to bridesmaid finishes in the past three conferences.

Adamson, with guest player Nerisa Bautista and skipper Rizza Jane Laguiles at the helm, and San Sebastian have split their two games this conference with the Lady Stags getting the better of the Lady Falcons, 25-22, 25-19, 25-16, in their previous meeting last May 2. That loss prevented the Falcons from sweeping the elimination round.

Gorayeb said he expects more from his local players, noting that they relied too much on guest player Bualee Jaroensri, who exploded for a game-high 36 points against Ateneo.

“I expect the locals to be mentally tough today because they got too complacent against Ateneo,” he added.

Ateneo coach Michele Laborte said she is also keeping the emotions of her players in check after that morale-boosting win Thursday.

“I told them to forget about the win, we are starting from scratch again,” said Laborte, whose Eagles hold a 2-1 head-to-head edge over the Pirates this conference.

“We cannot afford to relax and lose focus because our job is not yet finished.”