Metro, WV forge title showdown

National Capital Region and Western Visayas survived a pair of thrilling three-setters against Southern Luzon and Southern Mindanao, respectively, at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday to arrange a clash for the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League Season 12 League of Champions crown.

The Big City volleybelles, bannered by the National University squad, bounced back from a second-set setback with a dominating performance in the decider for a 25-21, 12-25, 25-18 victory and the first slot in the finals of the league sponsored by Shakey’s and organized by Metro Sports.

Western Visayas, represented by St. John’s Institute, fought back from a first-set loss to hack out a 26-28, 25-22, 25-23 win and gain a maiden crack at the championship of the league backed by Cebu Daily News, Mikasa, Asics, Volley Prep, Nature’s Spring, Sun Star, The Freeman Newspaper, Chooga, El Lobo Energy Drink and Millenia.

Spearheaded by NCR leg MVP Faith Nisperos, the NU tossers swept the single-round eliminations with a 25-13, 25-20 romp over guest team Biñan last Saturday to top Pool A and set a Final Four clash with Pool B runner-up Southern Luzon.

Western Visayas matched NCR’s 4-0 card with a 25-20, 25-19 victory over Southern Luzon’s De La Salle-Lipa in Pool B to seal a semifinal duel with Southern Mindanao, represented by Tagum City National High School, which finished second to NCR in Pool A.