WITH their backs against the wall, defending champion University of Baguio Lady Cardinals sends the University of the Cordilleras Lady Jaguars crashing back off to reality after a three set victory in their best of three semis match-up.
The Lady Cardinals trumped the Lady Jaguars with an easy three set win, 25-13, 25-18, 25-23, to even the series in the Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League after a four set loss on the opener.
UC drew first blood in their semis match–up as they registered a 33-31, 25-20, 25-19 victory Saturday afternoon.
“Mejo shaky lang ang mga bata, kulang lang sa exposure mga first year,” explained Cardinals head coach Jhiesel Agudia who is hungry to win the team’s sixth straight title.
“Nag-adjust kami at pinalakas namin ang depensa sa court at mas pinalakas pa namin ang loob ng mga bata,” she added, pointing out the proper mind set and attitude is the key to winning.
UB Lady Cardinals team captain Marry Ann Atuban, who is now on his final playing year, added the win gets them big boost going into the winner take all game as she seeks to close out her collegiate career on a winning note.
“Ang mind set lang talaga namin ay bumawi,” explained the fourth year Business Administration and Accountancy student.
But all is not lost for the Lady Jaguars who are eyeing another stint in the finals with their seniors Raynae Arances, Erica Mae Agno and team captain Shyna Faye Ong hoping to finally edge the defending champion.
“Naging kumpyansa kami. Na pressure sa audience at nawalan ng tiwala sa sarili,” said Ong. “Kung ano ang ipinakita naming noong first game ganoon din ang ipapakita namin sa next game,” she added, referring to their game three clash.
Baguio College of Technology Lady Atoms earlier took the first spot of the finals after sweeping the Saint Louis University Navigators.
The Lady Atoms were deemed the favorite prior the games started and were expected to cruise to the finals.
In the men’s division, BCT and UC clash in the finals after stopping UB and SLU in their semis match.