Dynasty over Destiny
by Floren Faye Chua
The finals matchup volleyball fans have been eagerly awaiting is now set. On Wednesday, our Lady Spikers, the defending champions, face off against surging UST Tigresses, which swept the 2nd round. The eliminations saw both teams split their encounters, with each team needing a decisive 5th set to eke out a win. We should expect a very exciting matchup in Game 1 on Wednesday, February 24.
Based on their performance in the eliminations, the two teams are evenly matched in most aspects, particularly in the blocking and serving departments. They both have rookies who can be relied on in crunch time – our Abi Marano and Joanne Siy versus UST’s Santiago and Banaticla. The two finals contenders have the tallest lineups in the league, with Aiza Maizo, Angeli Tabaquero, and the 6’1″ Santiago guarding the net against our Jacq Alarca, Joanne Siy, Abi Marano, Stephanie Mercado, and Cha Cruz. The floor defenses are also top notch, with scrappy Melissa Gohing capable of chasing the powerful spikes of the tall Tigresses. On the other hand, the UST back row usually retrieves opponents spikes which were partially blocked by their tall frontliners.
Possibly the ultimate x-factor for this championship series will be Captain Stephanie Mercado. Last Saturday, Mercado was closely guarded by the Adamson defense, and was unable to consistently score with her powerful spikes. However, the depth of our team carried them to victory, with clutch performances from Jacq Alarca, Cha Cruz, and Abi Marano. If Steph is able to overcome the expected tight marking of the UST frontliners and dishes out a performance expected of her, we might as well prepare to celebrate another back-to-back crown.
So come Wednesday, it would be a war of attrition. It’s Green versus Gold; Dynasty over Destiny; La Salle versus UST. Let’s get it on.
Grudge Match at the Fields
It’s also Green versus Gold thing over at the grassy plains in Katipunan this coming Thursday, February 25 as our Lady Booters and UST collide anew for a rematch of last year’s women’s football championship. The girls of coach Hans Smit are ought to avenge their previous season setback against the very same team. Just like last season as well, La Salle will be having the twice to beat advantage.
The Lady Booters have been a constant power in the UAAP. Will they finally claim the crown they last held in 2006? Game time is set at 9:30 in the morning.