UST Golden Tigresses vs La Salle Lady Spikers in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CEUTO/INQUIREr.net
MANILA, Philippines—It almost feels destined that University of Santo Tomas and La Salle will cross paths with a lot on the line in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.
“It’s like we’re meant to be,” UST captain and libero Detdet Pepito said, smiling.
READ: UAAP: NU escapes, forces UST to playoff vs La Salle for bonus
After both teams failed to secure the last remaining twice-to-beat bonus outright, the fierce rivals will face off in the virtual best-of-three showdown in the Final Four–starting with the playoff for No. 2.
And Golden Tigresses coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes knows it’s going to be a chess match–as it has always been between two sides.
“La Salle is thinking the same way as us. They know us. They know who to stop but we know who their go-to girl is. They know who our go-to girl is, so this is what we like to call a showdown of mind and heart,” said Reyes after UST’s loss to top seed National University that set up the playoff.
“They came from an upset loss because had they won, they would’ve been sure of a twice-to-beat. It’s the same with us. We had a chance, but we fell short. We’re really meant to showcase that UST-La Salle showdown.”
UST Golden Tigresses’ Detdet Pepito during a UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament game vs La Salle Lady Spikers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The rivals have been forced onto the same path at the end of the elimination round, finishing with identical 9-5 records.
La Salle first fumbled shot for the second spot on Saturday when FEU stunned the Lady Spikers, 25-20, 28-26, 20-25, 25-23.
READ: UAAP: Pivotal weekend for Lady Spikers, Tigresses with final semis rankings at stake
Then, 24 hours later, the Golden Tigresses also failed to lock down the second seed after NU outlasted them in five sets, 23-25, 25-17, 25-18, 22-25, 15-9.
Pepito admitted that the a UST-La Salle collision was inevitable.
“We knew we’d face them in the semis. We’re happy and excited because it’s La Salle. They’re different from NU, so hopefully, we can show our best against them,” she said.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
The Golden Tigresses and the Lady Spikers go at it again on Wednesday, 2pm at Mall of Asia Arena.
