DLSU, UST dispute Final Four bonus

MANILA, Philippines — Titleholder La Salle and dark horse Santo Tomas dispute the last twice-to-beat bonus in the Final Four when they collide in a highly-anticipated duel to cap off the wild elimination round of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament today at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Action sizzles at 4 p.m. with the winner securing the other win-once bonus after the red-hot National U rose all the way from No. 3 with a second-round sweep to clinch the first semis incentive at 12-2.

Santo Tomas and La Salle, after taking turns in front in the first round, are tied at 11-2 entering the match – making it a virtual knockout for the coveted reward with the unlucky loser sliding to third place for a twice-to-win handicap in the semis starting next week.

Odds are on the Golden Tigresses, who aside from a thrilling five-setter win to bank on against the Lady Spikers in the first round may also capitalize on their foes’ vulnerability at the moment with the uncertainty of Angel Canino’s status.

Canino, due to a wounded right arm, has missed the last five games for La Salle and there is still no final word on her return.

But with or without the reigning MVP, expect the Golden Tigresses to pounce on the Lady Spikers with no regard in a bid to cap their revelation campaign marked by a first-round sweep in their post-Eya Laure era.

“Dito na madi-determine kung saan kami pu-puwesto so syempre, we’re aiming for the twice-to-beat. Sa tatlong teams (with La Salle and NU), kami ‘yung saling pusa so makikigulo lang kami at paninindigan namin ‘yun,” said coach Kungfu Reyes.