UP, Laoag dispute Final Four spot; Pocari eyes sweep

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines looks to fight the odds anew when it disputes the last Final Four berth versus Team Laoag in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference Monday.

The Lady Maroons—who seemed out of the semifinal picture two weeks ago—had hoped to sweep their last three games to advance to the next round.

Now that the Lady Maroons stand just a win away from completing the intimidating task, UP coach Jerry Yee wants his young players to make the most out of the opportunity.

Game time is 4 p.m. at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Unbeaten Pocari Sweat and Philippine Air Force also clash for the No. 1 spot on the last day of eliminations at 6:30 p.m.

The Lady Warriors, fresh from an incredible comeback win against Bali Pure, vie to complete a seven-game sweep of the eliminations to clinch the top seed.

“We’re not yet contented,” said Pocari coach Rommel Abella.

And the Lady Warriors should be wary as the Jet Spikers gun for an upset that may just hand them the No. 1 berth.

An Air Force win will put them in a tie with Pocari at 6-1. But the Jet Spikers can steal the top spot if they win in three or four sets, based on the tiebreak rule.

If the Jet Spikers end up winning via a full five-set route, the Lady Warriors stay No. 1.

Behind veterans Michelle Gumabao, Myla Pablo and Elaine Kasilag, the Lady Warriors hope to show the same resilience in their last outing where they rose from two sets down to drub the Water Defenders, 21-25, 6-25, 26-24, 27-25, 19-17, last Saturday night.