Pocari puts Shakey’s run on the line vs Bali Pure

FOUR teams figure in a pair of crucial matches on the penultimate day of the elimination round in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference today.

Pocari Sweat stakes its perfect run against the fancied Bali Pure as the two leaders clash for the No. 1 spot at 6:30 p.m. at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

National University also targets at least a playoff for the last semifinal berth versus a University of the Philippines squad fighting for survival at 4 p.m.

“It will be a bonus if we reach the semis,” said NU coach Roger Gorayeb, who remains concerned over the Lady Bulldogs’ erratic play.

Pocari (5-0), Bali Pure (5-1) and Air Force (5-1) already clinched Final Four berths, leaving three other teams to fight for the last slot.

NU and idle Team Laoag share fourth spot (3-3), while UP (2-3) can stay in the hunt by sweeping its last two games.

“Every time we go up against a UAAP team, we really have to prepare and put in some extra effort,” said UP coach Jerry Yee as the young Lady Maroons try to neutralize NU’s 6-foot-5 star Jaja Santiago.

A victory by the Lady Bulldogs will give them the fourth spot, and at least a playoff for the last semifinal berth, in the event that Laoag or UP match their 4-3 record.

Laoag and UP will collide on the last day of eliminations on Monday.

Although assured of making the next round, the Lady Warriors hopes to stretch their unbeaten run to six before facing semifinalist in Air Force on Monday.

“Hopefully we’ll finish the elimination round strong to give us momentum going into the semifinals,” said Pocari coach Rommel Abella.