University of Santo Tomas puts its unbeaten streak on the line as it tangles with defending champion College of St. Benilde in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge semifinals, which kick off on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Angge Poyos, the reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year, who has been instrumental in UST’s dominant sweep of the elimination round, is set for a high-stakes clash with Wielyn Estoque and the rest of the Lady Blazers in Game One of their best-of-three series at 3 p.m.
UST coach Kungfu Reyes, however, emphasized the importance of an aggressive start while calling for more maturity from his squad.
“Hopefully, mas maging aggressive pa kami. Nakikita namin yan araw-araw, pero mas gusto pa namin makakita ng maturity sa decision-making nila,” said Reyes.
Meanwhile, University of the East aims to extend its three-game winning streak as it squares off with Far Eastern U in the other women’s semis clash at 5 p.m.
Cassiey Dongallo, who delivered a remarkable 31-point performance in UE’s elimination round victory over FEU, will look to continue her explosive form.
The Lady Tams, on the other hand, will try to counter her with the firepower of Chenie Tagaod, Tin Ubaldo and Faida Bakanke, promising another exciting battle.
In the men’s division, De La Salle U and University of Santo Tomas meet in a heated semifinal rematch of last year’s finals at 12 p.m.
UST, riding a five-game winning streak, enters with momentum, while La Salle seeks to recover after losing two of its last three elimination matches.
With star players Josh Ybanez (UST) and Noel Kampton (La Salle) sidelined, the teams will turn to their secondary weapons. Gboy de Vega and Poy Colinares will lead UST’s attack, while La Salle banks on Chris Hernandez and Michael Fortuna to spearhead their charge.
“Yung mga seniors ko like sila Dux Yambao, si Gboy de Vega, maganda ang pasa, si Popoy (Colinares) talagang nag-bloom na silang lahat,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon.
The day’s action kicks off at 10 a.m. with top-seed Far Eastern U battling a resurgent National U squad. FEU’s Dryx Saavedra and Benny Martinez are peaking at just the right moment, but NU, despite being undermanned, remains eager to challenge, led by Leo Aringo and Obed Mukaba.
