NU, Adamson shoot for finals berth

Games Tuesday

(The Arena, San Juan)

2 p.m. – UST vs NU

4 p.m. – FEU vs Adamson

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion National U and Adamson seek to arrange an interesting title showdown as the two go for the jugular against Santo Tomas and Far Eastern U, respectively, in the semifinals of the Shakey's V-League Season 11-First Conference at The Arena in San Juan City on Tuesday.

The Lady Bulldogs and the Lady Falcons both went through the proverbial eye of the needle with the former edging the Tigresses, 25-20, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, and the latter turning back the Lady Tams, 19-25, 22-25, 26-24, 25-15, 15-12.

NU is expected to rely anew on its relentless attacking game anchored on the power-hitting sister tandem of Dindin and Jaja Santiago, who combined for 33 hits in helping seal the win for the Jhocson-based lady spikers.

"They're the heart and soul of this team," said NU coach Ariel dela Cruz of the 6-3 Jaja and 6-1 Dindin.

Aiko Urdas, one of NU's sources of attacking strength, is doubtful for Tuesday's 2 p.m. duel after she injured a knee in the third set of Sunday's Game One. After she was pulled out, she never returned in the fourth set and finished with four hits.

UST, for its part, will need a stronger effort from talented rookie EJ Laure, who was held to just 16 by the rock-solid net defense of Jaja Santiago, who had a match best five blocks.

The crisp-hitting duo of Sheila Marie Pineda and Thai import Pacharee Sangmuang should be the players to watch out for after the two spearheaded Adamson's mighty fightback by combining for 43 hits, including 40 on kills.

It was also the prolific pair who carried the Marcelino-based belles back from two sets down in snatching the come-from-behind win.

"I expect FEU to make adjustments. But for me, the key is starting better than what we did in the first game," said Adamson mentor Sherwin Meneses.