UST, FEU in crucial face off

Games Today (The Arena, San Juan City) 2 p.m. – UE vs La Salle (women’s) 4 p.m. – UST vs FEU (women’s)

University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Far Eastern University (FEU) square off in a critical match today to bolster their respective Final Four bids in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Match is at 4 p.m. with both teams needing the crucial victory to improve their win-loss standings.

Toting a 6-4 mark, the fourthrunning Tigresses also seek for a joint third place with the National University Lady Bulldogs while the Lady Tams aim to inch closer into the Top 4 after sitting at sixth place with a 5-5 card.

Momentum is on the side of UST as the Tigresses are not only coming off a 25-12, 25-18, 22-25, 25-19 win over Adamson last week, but are also leaning on a 25-16, 21-25, 26-24, 25-20 victory on their firstround duel against the Lady Tams last March 4.

The España-based squad also boasts as the Best Receiving team in the league so far, averaging a combined 16 digs and receptions.

EJ Laure remains a threat behind the net for UST with her booming attacks, but the young spiker is also efficient in digs as she gives ample support with libero Rica Rivera.

Offensively, UST Coach Kungfu Reyes has an arsenal of talented spikers in Cherry Rondina, Alexine Cabanos, Ria Meneses and Pam Lastimosa.

But FEU is not at all intimidated at UST.

Though still reeling from a stinging 25-20, 25-22, 17-25, 21-25, 15-8 defeat against Ateneo, FEU is still in high spirits to regain its lost steam with the trio of Bernadeth Pons, Remy Palma and Toni Rose Basas forming the core of its attack.

In the other match, defending champion La Salle seeks for a joint share of the lead with Ateneo when it tackles University of the East at 2 p.m.