The NU Lady Bulldogs will know better this time around in an attempt to avoid a winner-take-all Game Two in their semis matchup against FEU.
Reigning champs NU are entering the Final Four well rested but they will also be wary of any upsets coming their way after their experience with the FEU Lady Tamaraws last season.
The same two teams will face each other in a semifinal rematch slated this weekend.
NU, who are the top-seed with a 12-2 record, were forced into a winner-take-all Game Two in the Final Four last year after a surprising sweep upset in their opening match courtesy of FEU.
The loss exposed NU’s vulnerability in Season 86 at a crucial point in the tournament.
This year, despite sweeping their season series against FEU at 2-0, they have also shown some signs of weakness — particularly against lower-ranked teams.
In the elimination round, NU suffered losses to non-Final Four squads UP Fighting Maroons and Adamson Lady Falcons, and with FEU with nothing to lose but everything to gain, they’ll definitely be a force to be reckoned with.
Elimination round results:R1 - NU def. FEU (3-2) 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-8
R2 - NU def. FEU (3-1) 25-22, 24-26, 26-24, 25-18
Despite NU sweeping their two meetings against the Morayta squad, it hasn’t been an easy journey for the defending champions, especially in the first round where the Lady Tamaraws forced them into a five-set thriller.
Not only did the match reach a winner-take-all fifth set, but the Lady Tams were actually the one who seized the 2-1 lead midway, forcing an undefeated NU at the time to the brink before the Lady Bulldogs were able to conquer them in a narrow fourth set and taking the fifth, 15-8.
Even in their second round clash, FEU continued to show their mettle against the Lady Bulldogs.
The Lady Tams fought in nip-and-tuck extended sets in their second round match, where either team could’ve gotten an advantage.
No matter the difference between their records, with FEU as the 4-seed, the Lady Tams are truly a dangerous team, especially with the likes of Gerz Petallo, Faida Bakanke, and Chenie Tagaod leading the helm.
But NU need not be reminded of the risk as Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Vange Alinsug are well aware of what they’re going up against, and how crucial it will be to not waste their twice-to-beat advantage.
With all on the line, expect a high-stakes, electric matchup beginning this weekend. Can the FEU Lady Tamaraws score a repeat of last year’s upset? Or will NU take care of business in one game?