Defending champions Univeristy of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses made their road to a repeat much clearer after sweeping the elimination round and earning a berth directly in the best-of-three Finals at the SM Sands by the Bay in Pasay City.
Cherry Rondina and Caitlyn Viray broke into the Finals after a classic showdown with erstwhile-undefeated rivals Far Eastern University’s Bernadeth Pons and Kyla Atienza, 22-20, 17-21, 15-13.
Since Rondina started playing for UST, Season 80 marks the third time they have swept the elimination round.
“Sobrang relief po siya sa amin. Pero alam din namin na hindi pa tapos ang laban. Kailangan pa rin namin trabahuhin ‘yung gold,” said Rondina, who has two UAAP titles under her belt.
FEU, on the other hand, drop to the second seed of the stepladder Final Four and salvage a twice-to-beat advantage.
They face the Univeristy of the Philippines’ Tots Carlos and Arielle Estrañero tomorrow at 3 p.m.
The Lady Maroons earned their berth up the ladder with a thrilling three-set triumph over De La Salle University Lady Spikers Tine Tiamzon and May Luna, 17-21, 21-19, 15-12.
If FEU win in their first match, they play in the Finals later in the day. If UP force a second game, the Finals will be moved to Saturday.
UAAP Season 80 Women’s Beach Volleyball
Final Elimination Round Standings
UST 7-0
FEU 6-1
UP 5-2
DLSU 4-3
ADMU 2-5
UE 2-5
AdU 1-6
NU 1-6
