UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas seeks to solidify its hold of second place as it tangles with University of the Philippines, while Far Eastern University takes on University of the East as it shoots for its first winning streak today in the 87th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The Tigresses are facing a trap game against the Fighting Maroons, who have lost two in a row after opening the season with two straight wins, at 4 p.m.
Playing in the second of a week-long three-match stretch, the Lady Tamaraws do not want to overthink as they are focusing on the winless Lady Warriors first at 2 p.m.
Yani Fernandez, coach Kungfu Reyes’ trusted assistant, is aware that UP elevates its game when it always faces UST. The Fighting Maroons, though, have lost their last five meetings with the Tigresses since the second round of the 2022 bubble tournament.
“Angmahirapkasina part sa UP ibaibayungtaonila eh kaya yungscoutring din naminsiyempretalaganghulaan, talagangaaralinmolahat ng rotation kada set kung sinosatinginnaminyung first outside hitter o kung sinonggagamiting middle so yun. Titiyagainnalang din namin especially pagdatingsa scouting report ng stats namin,” said Fernandez.
With a 3-1 record, second-running UST tries to keep within striking distance of defending champion National University, which is undefeated in four matches.
A loss to the Tigresses would be deflating for the Fighting Maroons, who have shown a lot of promise under new coach Benson Bocboc, who emphasized the need of his 14 players to be ready anytime.
“In behalf of my teammates, akonamismoangnagsasabina I’m so thankful sa trust naibinibigaysaaminni coach, hindilangsaanimnanagsa-start, kundi para salahat,” said captain IrahJaboneta.
UP is locked in a four-way tie with De La Salle, FEU and Adamson University from third to sixth spots at 2-2, just above Ateneo’s 1-3 record.
The Lady Tamaraws’ campaign has been on a roller coaster, having lost to the Fighting Maroons, squandering a 2-1 set lead before bowing to the Lady Bulldogs in five, and surviving a gritty Blue Eagles side also in five sets.
FEU coach Tina Salak is taking things step by step to accomplish the team goals.
“At the end of the day, kailangannaminmagtrabahoulit. Move forward tayo, goal-setting. Di mawawalayung goal palagi, and tuwingnagttraining kami, ayawkonapagusapanyung loss. So, kasinagkakaronlang ng magnet eh. Ayawkonangnagkakaron ng magnet nanamimirrornatinyung past, kasipuwedekonabaguhin today. So ganoon kami sa training,” said Salak.
The Lady Tamaraws have a simple routine, to move forward following a tough match, get the needed recovery and training for the next opponent.
“Kasitinuturuankorinsila mag-let go. Perokailangan din naminnamatuto dun sa past naminna mistakes but, yungmga past mistakes nayun, tinatrabahonaminsatraining. Doon kami nagsosolusyon. Doon kami gumagawa ng solusyon, saensayo,” she added.
Down with a 0-4 record, the 11-strong UE will just keep on trying to secure the elusive win as the burden of a shorthanded roster has started to set in.
In the men’s division, pacesetting FEU seeks to extend its perfect run to five matches as it goes up against UE at 10 a.m., while UST aims to secure solo second in the 12 noon contest with UP.
Ranged against the last-placed Red Warriors, the Tamaraws hope to sustain their impressive play as they move on from a challenging week.
