Tigresses make last stand for semis bonus

Games today (Filoil Flying V Centre)

8 a.m. – DLSU vs UP (men’s)

10 a.m. – UE vs UST (men’s)

2 p.m. – UST vs NU (women’s)

4 p.m. – AdU vs UP (women’s)

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas takes on National U in a crucial match in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball elims today at the Filoil Flying V Centre, with the Tigresses hard-pressed to win to stay in the hunt for a Top Two finish.

The Tigresses, currently at third with a 9-4 win-loss slate, look to ward off their last elims foe, the Lady Bulldogs, for a chance at a twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals.

But even if UST wins, the Tigresses would still have to hope for a loss by second-running La Salle (10-3) in its last assignment against Far Eastern U (8-5) tomorrow to force a playoff for the Final Four bonus.

“Regardless of the results of the higher-ranked teams in their remaining games, we want to finish on a high note,” said UST coach Kungfu Reyes on the implications of their 2 p.m. clash with NU.

“NU has nothing to lose so we expect them to give their all. As for us, we are improving every game especially on our teamwork. Against NU, we will do more,” said Reyes.

Frontrunner Ateneo has armed itself with the first twice-to-beat edge with its 25-16, 28-26, 25-17 sweep of Adamson U last Wednesday.

In the other match, pre-season favorite University of the Philippines will try to end a disappointing campaign with a victory in its 4 p.m. match with Adamson.

The Lady Maroons, winner of two pre-season titles, crashed out of contention after bowing to the ousted Lady Bulldogs, 21-25, 24-26, 25-17, 25-23, 15-17, to fall to fifth with a 6-7 slate.