I heard tomorrow will be a reunion of some sorts for the UST alumni/alumnae athletes not just in volleyball but also in basketball, swimming, etc. I guess the community in Espana is just so psyched up to win the games tomorrow. I just love how the supporters of UST come out to support their teams. It’s as if the school spirit in this schools is very much alive and that they really inspire and encourage their athletes to do their best.

I hope the La Salle crowd won’t be outnumbered much though tomorrow. After all, they are still the defending champions. I’m sure a lot of LaSallians out there will support the girls to force a decider on Wednesday. Gang Green will be supporting the team tomorrow so I’m expecting a non-stop cheering.

Prepare for some wild but fun action tomorrow. I’m sure the game tomorrow will be celebrity-studded or at least in sports. Have fun guys!

I’m sorry if I can’t make predictions today because of some problems. But I’ll make it up in our next article. Our next article will feature what we think of the awardees and if there will be a Game 3, we will be making predictions once more. If not, we will making our farewell to UST and DLSU. That’s all for now.

THE GREEN CORNER #11: GREEN OR YELLOW?

Written by Benj Zabat (predictions) and Jannie Gavile (intro)
Edited by: Jannie Gavile

FEU-UST (Men’s)

First Round Encounter: FEU def. UST – 25-23, 21-25, 27-25, 25-20
Second Round Encounter: UST def. FEU – 25-21, 25-20, 25-13
Finals Game 1: UST def. FEU – 25-20, 25-22, 25-22

UST takes home game one in a very convincing fashion to my surprise not that I’m not expecting that from them but what I am most surprised off is how FEU played during game one which is to say lackluster, uninspired and absent-minded. Again, I am really impressed with this current UST team: they are composed, smart and really good. Why? Just look at how Karl Dimaculangan sets the ball, it is so amazing to see him create that plays and why not? I really think they have one of the best combination plays I have seen in a collegiate men’s team. Credit also their good defense and solid, solid blocking. Also, what impressed me during their first encounter here in the Finals with FEU is how mentally and emotionally-ready they were coming to the game. You see in sets two and three, FEU is leading for most of the time during those sets and yet, they are able to win them all. Thanks also to key and veteran players like Henry Pecana, JP Torres and Harby Ilano. On the Tamaraws’ side however, their game was “okay”, it just lacked the end game finish probably because this is their first time in around two years that they got into the championship again. What is impressive with them is that no matter how marked their open spikers are, they seem to find a way to score much like Mumay Vivas of their women’s team. However, it is really apparent that the team cannot handle championship pressure and I guess, they are not ready for everything that maybe associated with it. Further, they have to prove why they are one of the best defenders on the floor and in doing that, they need to have excellent floor defense and they need to read the offense of UST if in case it passes through the block which is another point of concern/improvement. The team has little blocking and floor defense alone cannot keep the team afloat. Finally, there is the variation of plays. They are too predictable and the blockers of UST are making easy work of them. In the end though, if the Tigers will continue that dominant performance, this championship series might end here.

UST-DLSU (Women’s)

First Round Encounter: DLSU def. UST – 20-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 15-11
Second Round Encounter: UST def. DLSU – 23-25, 20-25, 26-28, 25-16, 15-12
Finals Game 1: UST def. DLSU – 24-26, 25-23, 25-16, 25-21

It was a sad loss for the Lady Spikers and a triumphant win for UST. I am again surprised how the game turned-out especially for the Lady Spikers. Let me review first what UST did right this time. First, the team’s key players Angge Tabaquero and Aiza Maizo were unstoppable both in offense and in defense may it be in the net or in the floor. What was impressive was Rhea Dimaculangan, the team’s setter was able to confuse blockers of DLSU time and again which has been a key factor why they are able to run their plays flawlessly and of course, Angge’s attacks are almost unstoppable and awe inspiring. Although it can be said that their middle plays was missing. Both Maika Ortiz and Dindin Santiago are not performing at their usual while Jecjec Curato along with Aiza and Angge are also unstoppable at the floor. Also, there is their superb net defense which has read the attacks of the DLSU girls. The Lady Spikers on the other hand really had a poor setting duties. I saw the improvements over at Cha Cruz and Liss Gohing but they need to bring their A game back. Much like the game they had during the first round of elimination. Also what lacked is the variation of plays that they had no trouble executing before. For example the C-quick plays for Steph Mercado and Cha and the middle hits for Jacq Alarca and Abi Marano although. Further, Abi and Joanne Siy were almost a non-factor during the game (good thing Joanne was the only unmarked offensive option of the team) and even the reserve setter had rookie and championship jitters. Well sad to say that it is their worst game this season and they looked defeated already after sets two and three. The championship panache was gone and UST took advantage of it. If UST will be able to maintain that level of play and composure tomorrow, the championship series might end here. On the other hand, if DLSU will show dominance and derail the Tigresses tomorrow, there might be a good chance to extend this series.

We’re down to 1. Now let’s go to the 2nd game of the Finals. Good Luck to La Salle and UST in the Women’s and to UST and FEU in the Men’s. Give us a hell of a game!

(Spoiler Alert: If you wanna see the UAAP Awardees then turn to the next page. It’s okay if you don’t. There’s nothing in the next page. It’s just really the list of awardees)

For the first time in years, La Salle and UST will actually make it to the UAAP Finals. I can still remember 4 years back when La Salle and UST would face off in the V-League Finals perennially with Michelle Carolino playing for La Salle and Roxanne Pimentel for UST. Man, those games were ecstatic. It’s as if volleyball is in the same level already as basketball that time with the many fans watching the games. This year, I’m sure it will be as exciting as the basketball games. If you remember months back, in basketball, La Salle and UST had very exciting games against each other. You’d be surprised that Araneta had so many spectators that time despite UST being 4th and La Salle being only 6th. I am expecting more LaSallians and Thomasians to watch the game later. I hope students from both schools can egg on their teams to win the championship. Of course, nothing beats school pride. It’s what makes college wars really exciting I guess.

THE GREEN CORNER #10: THE CLIMAX

Writted and Edited by: Benj Zabat and Jannie Gavile

Before we actually go to our Finals Predictions let us say goodbye to the two blue bird teams.

ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY: PERFORMANCE ELEVATION AND GROWING CHEMISTRY

Graduating/Losing Players: Steph Gabriel, Bea Pascual (4th), Misha Quimpo (4th) and Ave Paje (3rd)

Jannie Gavile:
Sophomore Jinx? Not with these girls I guess. Though sometimes inconsistent, they assert dominance and the will-to-win in most of their games, despite that a lot of them are just in their first and second year. Dzi Gervacio has been solid this year. It’s almost a sure point if ever you actually set the ball to her, just like Vivas. She’s just inconsistent sometimes and when frustrated, she spikes the ball out of bounds. Same goes with Fille Cainglet who’s slowly developing her power and her spiking skills. If you saw her play against FEU this second round, you’d think that she’s already 4th or 5th year or something delivering those crucial shots in the fifth set. I think a lot will agree in me in the fact that the most improved player this year is Bea Pascual. Sure enough, the team became stronger and deadlier because of her powerful quicks and drop shots. No offense to her, she wasn’t like that last year. I mean, she was just there for blocking which was why she was named UAAP Season 69 Best Bocker. But this year, especially in the second round, set the ball to her, and it’s almost a sure point. That was evident against FEU, La Salle, etc. Sad that it’s already her last year. During the Final Four, I don’t know how to evaluate how this team performed. True enough, they actually succumbed to pressure since most of them are in their first Final Four appearance and thus, having a dismal and disappointing performance. Like, Most of them are young and it’s either they can surprise a lot of teams or they will succumb to pressure and give up easily. But let’s see. I’ve been following this team since they first established a program by manager Sir Tony Boy Liao, and they’ve been rapidly progressing every year. Maybe next year, we can already consider the team a Finals contender because of the recruits I have been hearing. Even the other UAAP coaches like Coach Shaq and Coach Ramil said that Ateneo got almost the best high school recruits next year. I thnk they have seven or eight. While other teams only have like one or two. But let’s see. After all they are still recruits.

Benj Zabat:
One of the teams who surprised not only me but everyone else because of the fast development they have shown only in their two years with their three year program under coach Roger. What’s really surprising is that if they’re on it, they are really on it beating two of their most formidable opponents in the form of UST and Adamson – a feat that if their game is good, they are really dangerous. Sadly, their inconsistencies have somewhat plagued them especially in key matches. However, now that the season is over for them, they have nothing to be embarrassed about but rather, take this as a sign of good things coming for the team. I guess, with a few good recruits, more intense training, experience and confidence will surely make them one of the more dangerous opponent next season only if again, they can be consistent with their game. Farewell for now Lady Eagles, it was a nice showing this season for you. May the coming months inspire you to train harder and become better athletes. Until next season, Lady Eagles!

Whew! I can’t believe we’re already in the Final Four. It’s fast. It was not so long ago that the UAAP opened and I was there to actually witness the first two games. And now, here we are. Final Four. Damn. I just can’t imagine how The Arena will be filled later with fans of La Salle, Ateneo, UST and Adamson. Last Sunday was a blast. Expect more today when the additional fans of Ateneo and Adamson will come of course. We’re down to last four teams. Last four who rose to the occasion. Last four who stood out and became mighty throughout the season. Meet your Final Four this year:

DLSU (13-1)

UST (12-2)

ADMU (10-4)

ADU (9-5)

Again, Congratulations to the four and may you bring us exciting and quality games from hereon. To all the fans out there, hoping you will likewise have fun and enjoy the Final Four games. Let us not also forget that the Men’s Volleyball tournament will also have their Final Four later on with FEU (2) going up against Ateneo (3) at 9 AM and UST (1) going up against UP (4). Good luck to the 8 teams! Wish You All The Best and God Bless!

THE GREEN CORNER #9: FAST HEART RATES AND QUADRUPLE EXCITEMENT

Written by: Benj Zabat (game predictions), Jannie Gavile (intro)
Edited by: Jannie Gavile

DLSU-AdU

First Round Encounter: DLSU def. AdU – 25-15, 25-17, 25-20
Second Round Encounter: DLSU def. AdU – 35-33, 25-23, 24-26, 25-17

Oh how the mighty has fallen. After a thirteen game winning streak, the Lady Spikers of DLSU finally got their first loss after being beaten by the Lady Tigresses of UST on a thrilling five setter match. Now they are facing off the Lady Falcons of Adamson in their best of two semi-final match tomorrow at the Arena. What I have noticed between these two teams is that they seem to have lost focus on their several key assignments and they seem to have not remedied their perennial problems of setting for DLSU and blocking/designing combination plays for Adamson. So what would be the advantages of these teams coming to this match? Well for Adamson, there is their solid floor defense as I always mention in my previous articles also, that ever reliable combination of Benting-Soriano-Gustilo that would rack-up points at will as well as the impeccable coaching of Coach “Mommy” Dulce Pante. On the DLSU side however, it is their impeccable blocking, number of offensive options, very deep bench and a competitive if not solid floor defense. In their past matches, the Lady Spikers has proved that blocking is superior to Adamson’s floor defense. Will it still be the same this time? What these teams need to work on however is for Adamson: like I always say the weak rotation when Gustilo-Quinlog-Patilano is in the frontline where they have a very difficult time scoring or replace Quinlog with someone better since she basically cannot perform her duties as center blocker/spiker for the team. For DLSU on the other hand, it has always been their setting and as of late consistencies when it comes to focus and that “killer instinct” they had during the first round. If DLSU, will however, be able to move all of their spikers through and if they keep that solid blocking then we will just see a repeat of what happened during the first two rounds where they finished their games in three-four sets.

UST-ADMU

First Round Encounter: ADMU def. UST – 32-30, 25-23, 8-25, 19-25, 17-15
Second Round Encounter: UST def. ADMU – 25-17, 23-25, 25-11, 25-20

Both fresh from their wins against Adamson and La Salle, Ateneo and UST are bound to face each other in what could be one of the best volleyball game that we will see this season. Having one win against each other, we will now see what these ladies are made of especially that at during this part of the season, teams should already peak to their potential. What is most interesting though is that it will be a match up of one the best blocking teams against one of the best digging/receiving teams in the league which as volleyball fans might now is a “contrapello” in terms of skills. So what made them win in their past matches? For UST, it has always been their blocking, the number of plays they can run, the consistent setting for Rhea Dimaculangan and also that deep bench; fielding in good replacements when the starters are not doing okay. As for Ateneo, they are much, much improved in their floor defense and digging also, there is that number of offensive options that the team can go to and the excellent plays that Jem Ferrer is creating for the team. However some weaknesses which have been thoroughly evident even in their past games during the elimination round such as floor defense and complacency for UST and inconsistency as well as blocking for Ateneo. At the end though it will be a tough call to make who could emerge victorious but if UST continues to do what they do best, blocking and offense or if Ateneo can confuse the blockers of UST and make sure they have a solid floor defense and have relatively good blocking tomorrow, any team can win this game. Just expect it to finish in around four sets, minimum.

We decided to make our Elimination Ender with a blast. And thus, we will post our game predictions and our farewells to non-Final Four teams. Watch out for the upcoming articles as we will be doing also the Men’s.

THE GREEN CORNER #8: FAREWELLS AND LAST HURRAHS

Written and Edited by: Jannie Gavile and Benj Zabat

FEU-UP

First Round Encounter: FEU def. UP – 20-25, 25-9, 25-13, 25-22

As the game to clinch the fifth place comes, FEU Lady Tamaraws and UP Lady Maroons will battle their hearts out to grab the fifth and sixth place respectively because after all even if they do not make it to the final four, standings will still be important to determine the school’s overall placing so this game should still be treated with intensity. Anywho, let us go to the game at hand. What makes this game so interesting is that it is a battle of two different defense strategies: blocking for UP and floor defense for FEU. Although in their first meeting, the Lady Tamaraws finished the game relatively easy in four sets, many factors will affect how the games may turn out this Saturday. One of which is on how FEU will react on its string of loses most recently with their game against Adamson. UP on the other hand, seems to improve their game working on what could be one of the deadliest line-ups in the UAAP have they been developed properly. What works for the Lady Maroons is what I have mentioned, good blocking and a deep bench of talented players but somehow, they lack the crucial volleyball program to make use of that potential. FEU on the other hand has their floor defense and of course, the very hard working Cherry Vivas but thankfully, she is no longer a one woman team with contributions coming from Rose Cabanag. At the end of the day though if FEU can work on the lack of maturity that UP is showing during their games, expect this game the way it went the first round: four or five sets in favor FEU.

Farewell Message:

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES: REMARKABLE IMPROVEMENT AND RECRUITMENT SECURITY

Graduationg Player: Cathy Barcelon, Clarisse Lucindo, Toni Faye Tan, Princess

Jannie Gavile:
Improving a notch higher is what UP has shown this year. From finding great freshmen and adding spunk and floor defense to their game, the girls from Diliman has pleased me in a way this season. In the second round, it was only against Ateneo that they they failed to get a set but they did stole one from UST, La Salle and Adamson. Of course the game today will most likely define if UP has what it takes to become a real contender next season. Beat FEU and they’ll be in my watch list next season. UP found a good catch in Angeli Araneta who is not only a very good blocker but is a thinking player as well. She doesn’t spike that hard but her balls are very unassumed or balls that you won’t expect to drop on you. Mela Lopez has likewise improved her spiking this year. Her inconsistent self became more reliable as the team would turn to her in times of trouble. Like NU, in my opinion, UP also has to get a reliable setter next season. They have all the skills; blocking, digging, spiking, etc. They just really need to find a very good setter. UP, though most of them are rookies and sophomores, will be a real contender next year that’s for sure. If they get a good setter and a steadier utility, then they are good to go. South Ramos might have to wake up now or maybe it’s just her sophomore jinx that’s bothering her. I mean, Cathy Barcelon will be out next season and for sure, it’s her turn to step up. Eileen Quejas has done a splendid role with regards to stepping up. She’s now classified as one of UAAP’s best blockers. If she can improve her jump, she’d be really deadly in offense. I love to see her do those quick and running spikes with higher jumps. For sure, UP will play a notch higher next year especially now that they are recruiting good players as well. I hope they can make it in the Final Four in the coming years.

Benj Zabat:
Well another team I am really, really sorry for. Like I said in my previous posts, they should be the deadliest team here in the UAAP. Why? I think talent for talent, they have the best high school recruits but it seems that they are working with a budget and an attitude – bad attitude that is. We all know that they are run on limited funs but if what if my sources would prove me right where it says that they are too lazy to train and they would choose to party than to work hard for the league. Then, no matter how talented they are, they would not get any better and as a result, they would be a perennial bottom dweller. If UP can get a proper volleyball training, more dedication to the game and that winning the game attitude game, they can surely a team to reckon with. Sadly for now, they would still saddle for a lowly fifth or sixth place until then, train harder and take this league more seriously please?

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY: UNDERSTANDABLE SITUATION AND CONSIDERABLE EFFORT

Graduating Player: None

Jannie Gavile:
After 15 years, the team missed the Final Four for the very first time. But that’s an understandable and a considerable effort despite losing half of Shai Gonzalez in the middle of the season because of injury and the departure of Mhica Morada and Chel Daquis. For a rebuilding team, they were able to challenge strong teams well like Ateneo and Adamson. In fact, because of these instances, few players rose to the occassion. Of course, first on my list is Mumay Vivas who has made this year her peak year, being the top scorer and probably the best player in the UAAP today. Whenever she spikes, consider it as a sure point. That’s how she’s been carying her team for this season. Second would be Nique Tiangco who provided offensive support for Vivas. She is not really that impact player but more of the silent type. She scores when needed and during crunch time which is very commendable as she still has 3 more years to go in the UAAP. My last did not improve but it’s more of she brought back her old game, which is her commendable floor defense. That is of course libero Rose Taganas. We saw how she dive those balls in the last few games, and that she was able to receive well. It’s sad that we’re not gonna see FEU this year but I’m gonna be scared if I’m a player of the other team. They might recruit high school hot shots to make it to the Final Four once again. Next year, I’m not gonna bet a Final Four finish, but they’d be challenging other teams for the Final Four slots once more. Like I said, I’m not sure.

Benj Zabat:
If my memory serves me right this would be the first time in around fiften years that the Lady Tamaraws would not make it into the final four. What is most interesting is that for sure, under that fifteen years, there have been drastic changes to the team but, why can’t they seem to make it right this time? You see what I did notice is that their current coach developed some three-five players and forgot everybody else in the team. It also did not help their cause that their team captain, Rose Cabanag is not back to her true form and the injury of Shai Gonzalez was a big blow for the team as well but I guess they could have developed the other players. I guess coach Ness relied heavily on Rachel Daquis and Micah Morada that he did not see this kind of scenario. I just feel bad for them, some of his players are eager to play and yet they are not given the proper development and playing time (Maricar Nepomuceno is one the best examples of this case). Now I wonder where the team is headed and if the team will continue to rely on Cherry Vivas to carry the team for the rest of the time that she will be playing. What the team needs right now are good recruits, development for all players and consistency while playing. I just feel bad if there is something wrong with their recruits or the coaching because their final four traditions have just been broken. Sad.

On the other hand, for the top teams, La Salle, UST, Ateneo, Adamson and FEU, as much as possible, winning games is a must. Except for La Salle who has a two-game cushion, Adamson is in much trouble. Not only will they face a team which is getting better like UP but they will also face teams who are very likely to beat them; Ateneo and FEU. UST is in relax mode. I mean, after this Sunday against FEU, they will now have a week of preparation against La Salle. Though La Salle will face lowly teams NU and UE, they only have two to three days of preparation against UST. Ateneo meanwhile will only face UE and have a week of preparation against Adamson.

How exciting, isn’t it? The Final Four picture is not yet clear up to now, I think only La Salle, UST and Ateneo are sure Final Four teams. Of course, that’s if Ateneo wins over UE tomorrow. Have fun on a very exciting weekend.

Might I add that the men’s game tomorrow are very exciting. UP vs Ateneo is a very exciting game because it is a #4 vs #5 game while the La Salle-FEU at 11 AM is a #2 vs #3 game. So yeah, I might be at The Arena tomorrow from 9 AM to 6 PM.

THE GREEN CORNER #7: URGENCY

Written by: Jannie Gavile

Edited by: Benj Zabat

The remaining games are very exciting. Even the main game tomorrow is as exciting since we all know Adamson has a hard time against blocking teams. UP is one of the best blocking teams and thus, making the game tomorrow crucial but exciting. On Sunday of course, it will be the volleyball rivalry featuring UST and FEU. Who will prevail? Let’s see.

UE-AdMU

First Round Encounter: ADMU def. UE – 25-23, 25-21, 25-20

I have a feeling that this game will be very boring. Ateneo is a team very much peaking while UE is not disappointing nor pleasing. They are just playing their game in my opinion. Ateneo has become a very serious threat when Bea Pascual, their senior middle blocker, have improved here in the second round. It was only in the second round that Bea Pascual woke up and played a steady game. In fact, I was impressed at her in their game against NU, FEU and UP. Her spikes were very hard as compared before. I don’t know what this girl ate but she will surely be a threat in the coming games. Dzi Gervacio improved a lot in their UP game. Against UP, the team was very disciplined, they were not the usual Ateneo team who would underestimate the weaker team. I hope they will still be the same because for me, they can win this one in three convincing sets.

AdU-UP

First Round Encounter:  AdU def. UP – 25-19, 27-25, 25-18

The main game might be an exciting one. However, that remains to be seen. UP is an inconsistent team. They play their best in sets that they want to play and play their worst in other sets. However, if UP will put determination and will push their game to the limit, I see Adamson having a hard time in this game. However, Adamson is a disciplined team. They have a very good floor defense that even though their players are off, they can still make do with their floor defense. Jill Gustilo however is not in her usual form. I hope she does well in the coming days. Carmela Lopez and Eileen Quejas are the key players for UP to win. If they both play well, then they have a chance of upsetting or forcing the game to 4 to 5 sets. But if Adamson will have a steady game, they can easily win this in three sets.

Anyway, It is quite obvious that the games that we will have this coming week are in a way not that talked about or boring, but however, we’d like to point out the fact that all teams who will be battling out today are in a raging form. There’s UST who has not lost any game yet in 2010, Ateneo who is is in full swing after a setback from La Salle, UP has has been winning sets from powerhouses La Salle and UST and NU who has been making their games close with the strong teams. How will these momentum-filled teams fare against each other? We’ll never know actually. We just have to watch.

THE GREEN CORNER #5: MOMENTUM

Written and Edited by: Benj Zabat and Jannie Gavile