Clash for survival
Falcons, Eagles dispute semis spot
The last semifinal slot will be at stake when Ateneo de Manila University and Adamson University collide in a sudden-death playoff of Season 84 University
Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament today at the Mall of Asia Arena. Action starts at 5 p.m. with both the Blue Eagles and the Lady Falcons tipped to go all out for the crucial victory that will send them to the next round together with second seed De La Salle University and third seed University of Santo Tomas (UST). National University (NU) is already assured of a slot in the best-of-three finals after sweeping the double-round eliminations via a straight-set victory late Thursday.
With that, the three remaining semifinalists will collide in a step-ladder battle with La Salle armed with a twice-to-beat advantage when it faces the survivor between UST and either Ateneo or Adamson to determine who will challenge the Lady Bulldogs in the finals. Ateneo and Adamson are both oozing with momentum after shutting down their respective eliminations campaigns on a high note to finish with identical
8-6 win-loss mark.
The Blue Eagles eked out a 19-25,
25-11, 25-18, 25-19 win over University of the Philippines while the Lady Falcons hammered a shock 25-23, 17-25, 25-16, 26-24 victory over La Salle in their final match last Thursday.
Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro said they haven’t prepared for their suddendeath match against Adamson since they were focused on winning over University of the Philippines (UP).
“We were watching Adamson play against La Salle, but there was no reaction from the players. We were so focused against UP. But now that it’s done, we still start preparing for Adamson,” said Almadro, who drew a strong performance from middle hitter AC Miner, who delivered 17 points laced with eight blocks.
“I’m expecting this good performance from AC as she’s really working hard in practice. She always prepares and follows instructions. We’re hoping and praying for greater things for AC.”
The Lady Falcons booked a 23-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-12 in their first match on 10 May.
But the Blue Eagles bounced back, pulling off a 24-26, 25-21, 25-19, 23-25, 19-17 win in the second round on 4 June.
Aside from Miner, Faith Nisperos and Vannie Gandler are also tipped to carry the offensive cudgels while libero Rosa Mae Doromal will serve as the last line of defense for the Blue Eagles, who are in danger of losing the crown they won in 2019.
After all, the Lady Falcons are capable of pulling off an upset, especially since they are seeking to snap their eight-year semifinal drought.
“Rest will be important for them, especially after what they’ve been through these past few days. The team needs it and then from there, we plan our next move,” said Adamson coach Lerma Giron, whose team last made it to the semis in 2014.
“We made a lot of sacrifices to get to this point. Our path to the Final Four is within sight, but we still have to go through the playoffs to secure the fourth spot.”