by Jonas Terrado
Game Today (The Arena, San Juan)
3:30 p.m. – Ateneo vs FEU
Ateneo and Far Eastern University dispute the right to arrange a title showdown with University of Santo Tomas today in the UAAP women’s volleyball Final Four at The Arena in San Juan City.
Their rubber match is at 3:30 p.m. with the No. 4 Lady Tamaraws looking to complete an upset of the top seed Lady Eagles after winning a five-set thriller in their first semis clash last Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Awaiting the result is UST, which earned its first finals appearance since 2011 after dethroning three-time champion La Salle in five sets last Sunday.
Heather Guino-O, Jeanette Villareal, Jerrili Malabanan, Elize Ronquillo and Gel Cayuna delivered when it mattered as the Lady Tamaraws edged the Lady Eagles, 10-25, 25-23, 25-22, 12-25, 15-8.
Guino-O, who is graduating this year, led the Lady Tamaraws with 17 points built on eight attacks, five service aces, and four blocks.
Coach George Pascua expects them to be in their best form as they aim to end Ateneo’s season despite a league-best 12-2 record in the eliminations.
Lady Eagles coach Oliver Almadro is hoping his players can make key improvements after the weekend loss saw them commit 30 errors.
Kat Tolentino, Bea de Leon, Maddie Madayag and Deanna Wong are eager to turn things around for Ateneo.
FEU is seeking its second straight finals appearance while Ateneo tries to avenge last year’s Final Four defeat to the same team.
Today’s match is another test for rookie Ronquillo who quietly delivered seven points for the Lady Tamaraws.
