FEU, Adamson dispute last title slot Shakey’s V-League

MANILA, Philippines — After splitting their last two meetings, Far Eastern U and Adamson dispute the last finals berth Thursday in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The winner of the 4 p.m. clash will advance to the championship series against National U, which clinched the first finals berth at the expense of University of Santo Tomas last Tuesday. The best-of-three finals start Sunday.

The Lady Tamaraws go into the match with plenty of confidence having beaten the Lady Falcons in straight-sets to forge a deciding match.

But the Lady Falcons have players who are no strangers to big games, including Thai reinforcement Patcharee Sangmuang.

Motivation isn’t a problem as far as the Lady Tamaraws are concerned as they are shooting for their first finals appearance in the V-League.

But with the Lady Falcons hoping to gain a crack at a third title, Adamson is expected to go all out in the hopes of replicating its five-set win in Game 1, 19-25, 22-25, 26-24, 25-15, 15-12.

FEU coach Shaq Delos Santos is pinning his hopes on guest players Rachel Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Bernadette Pons, who combined for 44 hits in Game 2.

But Delos Santos said neutralizing the attacking game of the Lady Falcons will still be the key.

“I think it was our defense that helped us win (in Game Two),” said Delos Santos.

“And we will need to do that in Game Three for us to have a chance to win this series.”

Shiela Pineda and Sangmuang are expected to bounce back from subpar Game 2 outings.

Held to just a combined 27 hits, Adamson’s chances of getting past FEU will depend largely on the performance of the power-hitting duo.

Adamson mentor Sherwin Meneses said a strong start will boost his squad’s chances.

“We’ve been starting bad in the first two games,” he said. “We need to find a way to break that bad habit and get into the rhythm early.”