By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan City)
4 p.m. — UP vs San Beda
6:30 p.m. — San Sebastian vs Ateneo
Four teams in strong contention for semifinal berths take center stage today as action in the 2017 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Collegiate Conference women’s division resumes at The Arena in San Juan City.
Resurgent University of the Philippines and San Beda, with identical 2-1 records, square off in a crucial Group B showdown set at 4 p.m., with the winner earning a share of second spot with idle Arellano University (3-1) while keeping itself in the hunt for a pair of coveted spots per group.
Momentum should be on the side of the Lady Maroons who have won their last two matches, including a straight-set victory over the St. Benilde Lady Blazers last Monday, amid several uncertainties following the resignation of head coach Jerry Yee barely two weeks ago.
Top UP hitter Tots Carlos admitted she and the rest of her teammates are doing they’re best to keep their focus on the task at hand, saying: “Sobrang importante na ng mga laro ngayon tapos mga kalaban pa namin malalakas ng NCAA.
Kaya andu’n dapat ‘yung focus namin and mindset for each game.”
The Lady Maroons have a tough work cut out for them since the Red Lionesses are riding high on a four-set victory over the Lady Blazers last Sept. 13 and are also determined to boost their own semis drive.
Squaring off in an equally crucial Group A showdown set at 6:30 p.m. are UAAP powerhouse Ateneo and perennial NCAA title contender San Sebastian.
Currently in a three-way tie alongside the Far Eastern Lady Tamaraws with similar 2-1 records, the injury-riddled Lady Eagles and the well-rested Lady Stags won’t leave any stone unturned in their bid to get an inside track for a Top 2 finish.
Ateneo will come in armed with enough confidence following a straight-sets win over Lyceum exactly a week ago while San Sebastian is eager to get back on track following a four-set loss inflicted by streaking National University last Sept. 11.