UST Tigers, DLSU Lady Archers return to UAAP 73 Volleyball Finals

It's all about defense for the UST Growling Tigers.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The UST Growling Tigers were looking to make a return trip to the finals and defend their title against the FEU Tamaraws. The DLSU Green Archers are also itching to win a title this year. Stakes are high as both teams want to play a couple of more games before the entire UAAP season 73 ends. They are rivals after all.

The Green Archers took control of sets 1 and 2 as the Growling Tigers needed a way to break their slump. Soon enough, UST got back into the game and won sets 3 and 4, scoring an equalizer forcing a 5th and deciding set. In the end, the defending champs vanquished the Green Archers 3-2 and move on to face the FEU Tamaraws for yet another title match.

John Paul Torres of UST was named Shakey's Best Player of the Game finishing with 24 points (19 attacks and 5 blocks).

UST -- 3 DLSU -- 2

23-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-16, 15-8

Ateneo's Dzi Gervacio on the attack.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

It's the ladies turn to play for the main event. Just days after defeating the UST Tigresses in a 5-setter to close the elimination round, the DLSU Lady Archers face the 4th seeded Ateneo Lady Eagles -- their fiercest rivals at that -- to book a rematch with the defending champions. The Lady Eagles haven't forgotten their lopsided loss to the Ladies in Green and are looking to get back at them. Perhaps score an upset and advance to the finals. DLSU expected their game would be quick and easy -- or so they thought.

No problems for the Lady Archers taking the first set. They pretty much knew that the Ateneo put up long rallies on them. Instead of getting haunted from their last game with La Salle, they surprised the league leaders and stole set number 2. La Salle pretty much disorganized in the 3rd set and Ateneo simply took advantage of their rivals' woeful plays for a 2-1 lead.

In the 4th set however, the Lady Archers would pick up where they left off to halt the Lady Eagles' momentum. La Salle would wasn't about to give their spot up to the Ateneo that easily as it all went back and fourth. The long rallies didn't faze the DLSU as they equalized the sets and play yet another 5-setter.

DLSU's Stephanie Mercado rises up against Gretchen Ho and Dzi Gervacio of Ateneo.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Having played only their second 5-setter in the season, perhaps the Lady Archers have quickly adapted in playing longer games than usual. Ateneo gave their best but it was La Salle that won the hard fought match to earn the right to play the defending champs UST in the finals.

The Shakey's Best Player award went to Stephanie Mercado of La Salle racking up 19 points (17 attacks and 1 block).

DLSU -- 3 ADMU -- 2

26-24, 21-25, 25-17, 28-26, 15-10