Game April 22
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. – La Salle vs UST
(Final Four)
Game April 23
(Mall of Asia Arena)
4 p.m. – Ateneo vs FEU
(Final Four)
Far Eastern University is not at all intimidated that it will be facing fancied Ateneo in its crucial Final Four matchup in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament next week.
Skipper Remy Palma said they are more focused on improving their performance than looking at their scenario where they need to beat the Lady Eagles twice in order to book a championship berth.
“All or nothing na kami sa semifinals,” said Palma. “Ayaw naming matapos ng one game lang. Kaya yung mga natitira naming time sa training, tinatrabaho talaga namin para i-improve yung sarili namin.”
“Kung naibibigay namin nang husto yung energy namin sa training, mas kailangang ipakita namin sa actual na game,” she added.
The Lady Tams clinched a Final Four berth after eliminating the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, 25-16, 25-16, 27-25, in their last elimination match.
They finished with an 8-6 win-loss record at fourth place, arranging a semis meeting with top-seeded Ateneo (12-2).
It was FEU’s third straight Final Four appearance and 19th since the Final Four format was introduced in 1993-94 season.
Last season, the Lady Tams lost to eventual champion La Salle Lady Spikers for a spot in the finals in two matches, and the Recto-based squad wanted nothing but to eclipse that performance.
FEU Coach Shaq Delos Santos said that while they are working on adjusting their plays, they are also focused on toughening their mental attitude.
“Both physical and mental preparations ang kailangan namin. Nakita ko naman na umangat yung confidence ng mga bata dun sa laro against UP,” Delos Santos said.
“Kung yung eliminations nga, pinagtrabahuhan namin. Eto pa na andito na kami sa crucial na round. Confident ako na meron pa kaming pwedeng ilabas,” he added.
The FEU-Ateneo match is set on April 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena with the Lady Tams needing to win twice to reach their first title round in eight years.