FAR Eastern University (FEU) and National University (NU) clash in a no-tomorrow semifinals showdown for the last Finals berth of Season 79 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s volleyball action on Wednesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The do-or-die showdown is set at 2 p.m. The winner will advance to the best-of-three championship stage against outright finalist and defending champion Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles.
The Tamaraws are muscling their way through the step-ladder semifinals. They ousted the Unievrsity of Santo Tomas Tigers, 25-22, 27-25, 25-18, in the first phase of the extended semifinals and pricked NU’s twice-to-beat edge last Sunday, 22-25, 26-24, 28-26, 25-17, to move a win away from ending a three-year Finals drought.
“We will do the same in this game. Expect us to be at our best,” FEU Head Coach Rey Diaz said. “Although when it comes to height, we are really the underdogs. I hope that we can pull off another upset.”
Diaz will pin his hopes on graduating players Greg Dolor, Ronchette Villegas and Redijohn Paler as well as skipper Richar Solis, Jude Garcia and libero Rikko Marmeto.
Diaz commended the support of his players’ family, especially in the semifinal series.
“These players are lucky to have understanding and supportive parents. We are doing this not only for ourselves but also for our families,” Diaz added.
The Bulldogs again have their backs against the wall. In Season 78, they lost their twice-to-beat advantage to Adamson University but still managed to make the Finals.
NU Coach Dante Alinsunurin could not hide his frustration after his wards put their season in danger.
“Last Sunday’s loss was not what we expected from the players. We trained well for the match but we still lost,” said Alinsunurin, who is expecting to draw better performances from Bryan Bagunas, Madz Gampong, James Natividad and Fauzi Ismail.
“They should not be overcome by emotions. We have to be composed because we know that our opponents are also hungry to make it to the Finals,” he added.