UST, Saint Benilde clash for survival

Games today:

(Rizal Memorial Coliseum)

11 a.m. — Saint Benilde vs UST

2 p.m. — UE vs Arellano

National Collegiate Athletic Association champion College of Saint Benilde and University Athletic Association of the Philippines powerhouse University of Santo Tomas slug it out in a knockout tiff to complete the Final Four cast of the Shakey's Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championship on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Action erupts at 11 a.m. with the Lady Blazers and the Tigresses spiking it in the deciding Game 2 for the right to face Far Eastern University in the semifinals on Sunday.

Unbeaten National University and Adamson University are the protagonists in the other Final Four pairing of this tourney backed by Mikasa, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Summit Bottle Water, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, R and B Milk Tea, Potato Corner, Rebel Sports, Converge ICT Solutions, Genius Sports and United Auctioneers Inc.

Meanwhile, in the second game at 2 p.m., University of the East and Arellano University will clash in the first phase of the classification matches.

Up against the odds with a twice-to-win handicap, Saint Benilde proved its pedigree as the two-time reigning NCAA champions after hammering a thrilling 25-22, 23-25, 18-25, 25-23, 15-11 win over UST in Game 1.

The Lady Blazers, who finished third in Pool F, battled back from a set down by pulling off slim wins in the last two sets to neutralize the Tigresses' twice-to-beat incentive and forge a winner-take-all.

Wielyn Estoque, Gayle Pascual and Zamantha Nolasco connived in Game 1 for Saint Benilde, which is out to continue a deep rally this season after missing the quarterfinals in the inaugural edition.

"UST is a tough team to beat because it has a lot of options. But, of course, we will fight and go all out. If the team will respond, then it's good. If we will have breaks, then that's better," Saint Benilde mentor Jerry Yee said.

True enough, UST is determined to exact revenge on its rival to replicate a Final Four finish last season after missing in its first try.

Out to lead that Tigresses' bid are Regina Jurado, Xyza Gula, Mary Banagua, Mary Coronado and super rookie Angeline Poyos, who fired 29 points in a foiled effort in the series opener.