‘SEVEN-PEAT’ seeking University of Santo Tomas and National University continued their unbeaten run to secure the two Final Four slots in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Beach Volleyball Tournament on Friday at Sands SM By The Bay.
Alas Pilipinas standouts Sofiah Pagara and Khy Progella delivered dominant performances for UST.
NU swept Adamson University’s Shai Nitura and Fei Sagaysay, 21-12, 21-10, before overpowering the University of the East’s Van Bangayan and Krisha Revilla, 21-5, 21-14.
The victories propelled the Tiger Sands to an unblemished 5-0 record.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, NU’s Honey Grace Cordero and Kat Epa matched UST’s streak with a pair of impressive wins.
The Lady Bulldogs defeated UE’s Bangayan and Revilla, 21-11, 21-17, and later crushed De La Salle’s Sophia Sindayen and Ela Raagas, 21-10, 21-8, to maintain their perfect 5-0 slate.
The Lady Falcons, who entered the day in solo third place, stumbled after suffering their second loss in four matches, jeopardizing their hold on a Final Four spot.
Far Eastern University and Ateneo took full advantage, securing crucial wins to tie Adamson for third place with identical 2-2 records.
FEU’s Lovely Lopez and Melody Pons defeated La Salle’s Sindayen and Raagas, 21-12, 21-17, while Ateneo’s Liz Lomocso and Grydelle Matibag survived a gritty three-setter against University of the Philippines’ Euri Eslapor and Julia de Leon, 21-12, 16-21, 15-11.
The losses left UP and UE with 1-3 and 1-4 records, respectively, while La Salle remained winless at 0-5.
Tournament action continues Saturday as UST faces De La Salle and NU takes on Ateneo in key matches.
The much-anticipated rematch between UST and NU, a likely Finals preview, is scheduled for Sunday. (TJ)
