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20 May 2008 The Final Four (Shakey’s V-League Season 5)

8 teams have tried. 2 remained dominant at first. 2 came from the south to challenge the other 4. But among the 6, only 2 prevailed as well. The 2 from the quarterfinals joined the 2 who dominated the eliminations. And now there are 4. 4 teams who prevailed. 4 teams who have achieved among the 8. Among them, only 2 will again prevail to proceed to the next battle. A battle for supremacy. A battle to be the greatest.

The Stags of Recto, the Falcons of San Marcelino, the Eagles of Katipunan and the Pirates of Muralla are the teams who prevailed among the eight which also includes the Stingers of Bacolod, the Jaguars of Cebu, the Tamaraws of Morayta and the Blazers of Taft. The last four weren’t successful but needless to say, they are teams who challenged the final four to the maximum. If it weren’t for them, these four will not be successful in getting there. If it weren’t for them, these final four teams will not be able to strut their stuff and bring out the best in their selves.

The Final Four have all accomplished so many things already in V-League. San Sebastian already made it to the Finals for three consecutive times. Adamson and Ateneo have both been hailed as third placers and had the right to challenge different teams towards the Finals. Lyceum meanwhile was also hailed as third place way back in the third season but what’s remarkable is their incredible run in last summer’s conference where they swept almost all of their elimination games and in the third season where they swept the second round of the semifinals against the then-champions La Salle, San Sebastian, Adamson and FEU.

Talk about guest players, the four teams also has four of the best players in both Thailand and in the Philippines. You have Miss Neriza Bautista for Adamson, a National Team stalwart who has played for several teams like Ateneo and UST and has proven herself as one of the best spikers in our country. Likewise, you have one of Lyceum’s legends in Miss Dahlia Cruz where we know how she steered Lyceum in the incredible runs that they’ve had in the V-League. Ateneo has of course acquired a new and young Thai import in Miss Em-orn Phanusit who is part of the current National Team of Thailand. And mind you, she is becoming one of the fan favorites in the V-League atmosphere because of her power in every ball. Of course, Miss Jaroensri Bualee will disagree if people say Miss Em-orn Phanusit is the only powerful Thai player in the league. Miss Jaroensri Bualee has established herself as one of the players to watch out in the league and is probably one of the most loyal guest players, playing for San Sebastian for the fourth big time.

Defense oriented is Adamson and Lyceum’s key to winning in the Finals. Their coaches are also established when it comes to this area. Both are good in floor defense. Both have very good liberos. And both teams are playing a quick-paced game. Miss Neriza Bautista and Miss Rissa Jane Laguilles are very good middle hitters who can do running attacks, back quicks, quick attacks and middle hitting quite well. Of course, not to be outdone, Lyceum has its share of good middle hitters in Miss Beverly Boto and Miss Dahlia Cruz who are also good in quick and running attacks and are both included in the top five of the Most Valuable Player Race. Now how will they convert the digging and receiving into points when the need arises? It’s for you guys to find out.

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