SSC, PCU tossers seek last semis seats

San Sebastian and Philippine Christian University gun for the last two semifinal berths as they take on University of the East and Lyceum, respectively, in the crucial penultimate elims playdate in the V-League presented by Shakey’s Pizza at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Tied at fourth place on 3-3 slates, the Lady Stags hope to advance against the ousted Lady Warriors (0-6) at 4 p.m. while the Lady Dolphins eye a berth in the semis against the Lady Pirates at 6 p.m.

PCU, however, is expected to encounter stiff resistance from Lyceum, the only other team with an outside chance for the fifth and last semis berth. With a 2-3 (win-loss) card, the Muralla-based spikers need to sweep their last two games to advance in this tournament presented by Shakey’s Pizza and backed by Accel, Mikasa, ABC-5 and ABC Sports.

A win by Lyceum today coupled with a victory over Ateneo, also out of it all with a 1-5 card, on Monday would clinch it the fifth and last spot in the double-round semifinals.

"We’re definitely going for a win," said Lyceum coach Emil Lontoc, who steered the RP women’s squad to the country’s last Southeast Asian Games crown in the 1993 Singapore Games, in Filipino.

Focus will also be on San Sebastian, hot on a trail of a stirring three-game romp after dropping its first three assignments.

That streak included a pulsating come-from-behind 22-25, 22-25, 25-15, 25-23, 15-12 win over Ateneo last Monday that kept the SSC spikers’ semis hopes alive.

Late Wednesday, defending champion De La Salle walloped Far Eastern U, 25-15, 25-21, 28-26, to move within a game from sweeping the single round prelims of this event organized by Sports Vision.

Two-time UAAP MVP Desiree Hernandez led the attack with 15 hits, including 14 on kills, while Ma. Enrica Llaguna scattered 10 hits in handing the Lady Tams, the 2005 University Games champions, their third setback against four triumphs.