Photo: UAAP

By Nate Castillo

Adamson University looks to grab a return trip to the semifinals after three years in a crucial clash against Far Eastern University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Holding an 8-5 win-loss record in solo third, the Lady Falcons can end their Final Four drought with a third straight victory at 5 p.m. to close their elimination round campaign.  

"We’re drawing closer to where we want to be. We are always a work in progress. We appreciate the players' efforts in training, their responses, and how they study opponents. For me, I am very grateful that we’re slowly fulfilling our goal," Adamson coach JP Yude said.

Photo: UAAP

The Lady Falcons aim to get the job done and avoid any playoff complications in their duel with the Lady Tamaraws, who carry a 7-5 record tied with UST in fourth to fifth.

Already through to the semis are unbeaten De La Salle University (13-0) and three-peat-seeking National University (9-3).

A loss will put Adamson in a precarious position in a possible tie at 8-6 at the end of the elimination round.

Photo: UAAP

FEU and the Golden Tigresses can also end the elims at 8-6, and in this scenario, the team with the superior tiebreak will occupy the third semis seat while the two other squads dispute the final bus ride to the next round in a playoff.

Meanwhile, cellar-dwellers Ateneo de Manila University and winless University of the East meet at 11 a.m.

The Blue Eagles are yet to win a match after five games in the second round, following a breakthrough victory over the Lady Warriors to end the first half of the elims.

UE has it worse, losing all 13 matches and 27 overall since a listless campaign last season. The Lady Warriors get one last shot at avoiding another disappointing run.