With just two weeks left in the elimination round of the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament, the battle for the twice-to-beat advantage becomes even more intense.
As the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament reaches its climax, the race for the twice-to-beat advantage intensifies.
With only a handful of games left in the elimination round, the University of Santo Tomas, National University, De La Salle University, and Far Eastern University have secured their Final Four slot and are jockeying for a position to secure a favorable spot in the standings.
Let's delve into each team's remaining schedule and the scenarios they face to clinch the coveted twice-to-beat advantage:
#1 UST (10-2)
Games Left: UE (Apr. 21), De La Salle (Apr. 27)
Despite their loss against the Lady Tamaraws, the Golden Tigresses currently hold a stellar record of 10 wins and 2 losses, placing them at the top of the standings.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Kungfu Reyes explains decision to sit Angge Poyos during crucial stages of UST’s loss to FEU]
With two games left in their regular-season campaign, their path to securing the twice-to-beat advantage is within reach. They are set to face the University of the East on April 21 and then clash with De La Salle University on April 27.
To secure the twice-to-beat advantage, UST needs to regain its winning momentum and clinch victories in both remaining games.
A single loss could potentially jeopardize their chances, especially with other teams closely trailing behind.
#2 NU (10-2)
Games Left: Adamson (Apr. 20), FEU (Apr. 24)
The Lady Bulldogs are neck and neck with UST, also boasting a record of 10 wins and 2 losses after their four-set win against the Lady Spikers.
Their remaining schedule pits them against Adamson University on April 20 and Far Eastern University on April 24—all very winnable games for NU’s standards.
Similar to UST, NU must emerge victorious in both matchups to secure the twice-to-beat advantage. Any slip-up could cost them dearly in the tightly contested race at the top of the standings.
#3 De La Salle (9-2)
Games Left: Adamson (Apr. 17), Ateneo (Apr. 21), UST (Apr. 27)
The Lady Archers are hot on the heels of the frontrunners, with a record of 9 wins and 2 losses.
La Salle has three games remaining in the regular season, facing Adamson University on April 17, Ateneo de Manila University on April 21, and UST on April 27.
[ALSO READ: UAAP schedule: With Final Four bonuses on the line, the DLSU-Ateneo rivalry heats up anew in Season 86]
While DLSU has a slightly more challenging schedule with one additional game, they have the opportunity to make a statement by securing victories in all three matchups.
Doing so would bolster their chances of clinching the twice-to-beat advantage and potentially leapfrogging the competition, most notably when they face the Golden Tigresses during the last day of the elimination round.
#4 FEU (7-4)
Games Left: UE (Apr. 17), UP (Apr. 20), NU (Apr. 24)
The Lady Tamaraws find themselves in a slightly less favorable position with a record of 7 wins and 4 losses. However, they are still in contention for the twice-to-beat advantage.
With three games left against UE on April 17, the University of the Philippines on April 20, and NU on April 24, FEU must aim to win all their remaining matchups.
While their path to securing the twice-to-beat advantage is more challenging due to their current standing, it is not entirely out of reach if they can deliver strong performances in their remaining games.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: After UST victory, Jean Asis confident of FEU's chances against other higher-seeded teams]