V-League packs ’em in as fans brace for UST-La Salle title duel

The big crowd that packed the Rizal Coliseum last Thursday to watch the Shakey’s V-League semifinal duels between La Salle and Letran on one side and the UST-PSC clash on the other went home happy and satisfied.

But they haven’t seen the best of them yet.

With defending champion University of Santo Tomas and streaking La Salle all out to finish off their respective rivals and forge a much-awaited title rematch, fans – from mere spectators to avid followers and supporters – are expected to pack the venue anew in anticipation of another pair of top-notch volleyball action in this event sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.

"Sa dami ng tao na nanood ngayon (Thursday), siguradong mas marami pa ang manonood kung sakaling UST at La Salle nga ang magkita sa finals," said Jun Bernardino, president of the organizing Sports Vision Management Group, Inc. (SVMGI).

"But of course, it’s not yet over because we expect PSC and Letran to come back strong," added Bernardino.

Truly, fans packed the upper and lower box seats with some spilling over to the gallery section for the first time this conference, majority were delighted to see the Tigresses and the Lady Archers hurdle their respective Final Four opponents.

Back-to-back UAAP titlist La Salle, on a 12-game roll since losing to UST in the opener last November, shackled Letran in straight sets, 25-20, 25-17, 25-16.

In contrast, UST engaged PSC into another five-setter – their third in the conference — and, like in the first three encounters, still came out the winners again with a 25-21, 23-25, 24-26, 25-16, 15-10 win.

Those victories put the collegiate rivals closer to arranging another best-of-three finals showdown in this meet co-presented by Dunkin Donuts, HBC Home of Beauty Exclusives, Smart and PLDT with Mikasa and Accel as official volleyball and outfitter, respectively.

"Malamang ganito rin ang mangyari sa Linggo (tomorrow), kung sino kumurap talo," said UST mentor August Sta. Maria, who is expected to lean on again on the power-hitting Roxanne Pimentel.