MANILA, Philippines — Onto UAAP Volley Final Four.
It’s Santo Tomas versus La Salle as National U and Far Eastern U meet in the other pairing starting this weekend.
The Golden Tigresses, at 12-2, spoiled the return of reigning MVP Angel Canino and claimed the No. 2 seed and the last twice-to-beat advantage with a 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-15 repeat win over the reigning champion La Salle Lady Spikers Saturday.
The duel, witnessed by more than 14,000 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, served as the virtual Game 1 of their best-of-three duel as La Salle fell to third place with an 11-3 slate to still draw the Golden Tigresses in a semis rematch.
In a rare occasion though, the defending champion will deal with a twice-to-win handicap.
“Hindi madali ‘yung pinagdaanan namin lalo na versus the defending champion pero nakuha namin ‘yung ine-aim namin na twice-to-beat,” said UST coach Kungfu Reyes.
They will clash on Sunday after the top-seeded Lady Bulldogs (12-2), with twice-to-beat edge as well, shoot for a quick finals ticket against No. 4 Lady Tamaraws (9-5) on Saturday.