UNIVERSITY of the Philippines lived for one more day after it bombed Philippine Air Force, 25-16, 25-20, 25-10, in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Monday.
Diana Carlos led the way for UP with 14 points, while skipper Kathy Bersola added 12 markers and Nicole Tiamzon chipped in 11.
The Lady Maroons, which ended their elimination round with a 3-4 win-loss record, gave Pocari Sweat (4-1) a free ride in the semis. The Lady Warriors join early semifinalist University of Santo Tomas (5-1).
But UP’s fate is out of its hands as Bali Pure (3-1) and Bureau of Customs (3-2) will face winless Philippine Coast Guard in their remaining games. If Bali Pure and BoC win their fourth match, they will earn the last two semis spot.
“Kung meant to be, eh ‘di, go,” said Bersola. “But either way, may na-gain na naman kami from this experience so okay lang din kung makapasok kami or hindi for now. And ayun looking forward na lang to the next one.”
After a roller coaster conference, Bersola admitted she did not expect to win over a more experienced Air Force side.
“Hindi, well syempre veteran sila hindi naman natin pwedeng i-take away from them ‘yun and sobrang tagal na sila sa game and mas experienced sila sa amin. So hindi talaga namin in-expect na magiging ganoon ang game,” she said.
“And every game naman, we just want to do our best and ‘yun nga, gusto namin bumawi these past few days. So okay din na naging ganoon ang result ng game,” she added.
Joy Cases finished with six points for also-ran Air Force, which dropped to 2-4.