UST, NU in do-or-die for last final spot

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UST, NU in do-or-die for last final spot image

Photo: UAAP

By Nate Castillo

Well-rested defending champion National University and surging University of Santo Tomas battle in a no-tomorrow showdown for the last finals seat in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The last phase of the stepladder semifinals between the championship protagonists two years ago will erupt at 3 p.m.

Unbeaten De La Salle University is already waiting in the best-of-three championship series starting Wednesday.

The Lady Bulldogs are coming off a long rest and preparation after drawing a bye in the first stepladder semis format since they won it all in 2022.

Photo: UAAP

NU also have a psychological edge, having beaten the Golden Tigresses, 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24, in the first round and in their elims rematch in a spirited comeback, 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-13, two weeks ago.

The Lady Bulldogs are banking on skipper Vange Alinsug, Arah Panique, graduating setter Lams Lamina, Chams Maaya and presumptive Rookie of the Year Sam Cantada to enter a fifth straight finals.

“You know, they're still fighting to defend the championship, not just for themselves, but also for the community and for their Ates who graduated,” first year NU coach Regine Diego said.

But momentum could be on the Golden Tigresses’ side after going through two do-or-die games that not only tested their character but also built confidence heading into another win-or-go home situation.

Photo: UAAP

UST had to battle Far Eastern University in a playoff for the last semis seat a week ago before blasting the third-seeded presumptive Most Valuable Player Shaina Nitura-led Adamson University, 25-16, 25-18, 25-19, last Wednesday.

“I think we’ll need to put more effort. Triple the effort that we did against Adamson. Knowing NU, we all know how fierce they are,” said Tigresses head coach Shaq Delos Santos, who was the architect of the school’s last championship 16 years ago.

Delos Santos hopes UST will be able to flip the script after falling short against the Lady Bulldogs in their two elims meetings.

Graduating libero and skipper Detdet Pepito vows UST will give its all to stay alive and will not allow this game to be her last wearing the Tigresses' black and gold.

“Just like what we did against (Adamsn), we won’t stop trying and fighting. We’ll work hard to get the job done,” said Pepito, who has a solid support crew in Angge Poyos, Regina Jurado, Jonna Perdido, Avril Bron and setter Cassie Carballo.

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