Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
University of Santo Tomas earned itself a possible shot at a Final Four twice-to-beat advantage. But for now, that’s the least of coach Kungfu Reyes’ concerns.
“Before I was thinking about [having the twice-to-beat] but now we’ll just fight it out [no matter what happens],” said Reyes in Filipino shortly after UST defeated National University, 27-25, 25-17, 20-25, 25-16, Saturday in UAAP women’s volleyball at FilOil Flying V Centre.
The win opened a door for the Tigresses, who may end up having the cushion of losing once in the semifinals. But to get that advantage, UST needs Far Eastern University to turn back La Salle on Sunday—a game the Lady Tamaraws no longer need to win.
A La Salle victory would seal the twice-to-beat edge for the reigning Lady Spikers.
“If La Salle will take the twice-to-beat, so be it. Whatever happens, it would be a pleasure facing the defending champion,” said Reyes.
Sisi Rondina once again powered the Tigresses with 21 points, while star rookie Eya Laure added 13 as they finished the elimination round on a four-game winning streak.
The last victory, though, wasn’t exactly trouble-free.
With nothing to lose, the young and exuberant NU side pounced on UST’s alarming habit of relaxing mid-match.
The Lady Bulldogs, led by rookies Ivy Lacsina and Princess Robles—who had a combined 33 points, took the third set as a sort of farewell to a season which they ended with a 4-10 card.
“With this young composition of the team, we don’t expect to make the Final Four right away,” said NU coach Norman Miguel. “We just didn’t want to be winless in two rounds.”
Mission accomplished for NU, but a red flag for UST, which needs to correct its tendency to relax.
“I can’t explain it; maybe we relax or maybe the other team becomes aggressive,” said Reyes. “But I can’t say that happened today. We didn’t choke, we remained in the match, but that’s something we have to work on.”
In the other game, Adamson ended its season on a winning note, beating University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19. The Lady Falcons wound up at 2-12, while the Lady Maroons ended up with 6-8.