After weeks of action in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament, four teams are left vying for the crown.
With National University and the University of Santo Tomas securing the twice-to-beat advantage, De La Salle University and Far Eastern University would have to overcome the odds to keep their championship hopes alive.
We’ve seen the stats, the numbers, the replays. That’s why this time around, we’re focusing on the MORE IMPORTANT things.
The stuff that fans want to see… we think. Maybe.
So, relax and enjoy this very detailed, very important, and highly technical Final Four preview.
(1) NU Lady Bulldogs vs (4) FEU Tamaraws
Song that best describes the match-up: Amakabogera by Maymay Entrata
Why? It seems about right for the two teams who bring so much fierce aura on the taraflex.
The Lady Bulldogs and the Lady Tamaraws also had the two longest winning streaks in the second round, making this rematch all the more exciting.
Expect several staredowns from both NU and FEU throughout the match with the stakes at their highest.
Random things about the Lady Bulldogs that may or may not be important
Record: 12-2
1st round match: NU def. FEU (25-17, 13-25, 25-17, 25-20)
2nd round match: NU def. FEU (25-21, 25-19, 25-22)
Go-to food in NU: Savemore Turon with Ube
Favorite quote used by a Lady Bulldog this season: “Gigilingin namin sila,” (Belen, 2024).
Best TikTok video posted by a Lady Bulldog this season:
Best NU cheer: ‘Yung may dab or sumayaw tas “NU, let’s go!”
How to get to Smart Araneta Coliseum from NU: Idk.
Why is NU like Bubbles: Go-getter and energetic. Blue din kasi NU.
Random things about the Lady Tamaraws that may or may not be important
Record: 9-5
Go-to food in FEU: Paotsin sa Tayuman
Favorite quote used by a Lady Tamaraw this season: "Nung unang pasok ko sa FEU, 'yung goal lang namin [ay] di baleng manalo basta may napikon kami,” (Tagaod, 2024).
Best TikTok video posted by a Lady Tamaraw this season:
Best FEU cheer: Nakikipag-bardagulan sa kalaban na fans
How to get to Smart Araneta Coliseum from FEU: Ride jeep to Doroteo Jose or Recto Station > Take the LRT 2 > Get off at Cubao Station > Buy DQ or Coco > Watch game.
Why is FEU like Buttercup: Brave daw si Buttercup katulad ng motto ng FEU na “Be Brave”. Naka-green din kasi si Buttercup.
(2) UST Golden Tigresses vs (3) DLSU Lady Spikers
Song that best describes the match-up: deja vu by Olivia Rodrigo
Do you get deja vu? Memories of Season 81.
Back in 2019, UST defeated La Salle twice in a span of a few days. First during the second-seed playoff and then the Final Four.
Now, the Golden Tigresses are fresh off their four-set win against the Lady Spikers and will look to grab another win to reach the Finals.
La Salle, however, will look to change the story and keep the Lady Spikers' back-to-back title hopes alive.
Random things about the Golden Tigresses that may or may not be important
Record: 12-2
1st round match: UST def. DLSU (25-18, 25-23, 14-25, 16-25, 15-12)
2nd round match: UST def. DLSU (22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-15)
Go-to food in UST: Dimsum Treats o Angkong tas mag-Mango Graham sa Pnoval
Favorite quote used by a Golden Tigress this season: "Na-high blood na ako. Mas na-high blood pa ata ako [kesa] kay coach Kungfu," (Pepito, 2024).
Best TikTok video posted by a Golden Tigress this season:
Best UST cheer: ‘Yung budots ng Golden Tigresses habang nag-warm up.
How to get to Mall of Asia Arena from UST: Ride jeep from Lacson to SM San Lazaro > Ride LRT Tayuman to EDSA-Taft station > Ride jeep going to MOA > Hanap pagkain dahil sa gutom sa commute > Watch game
Why is UST like Bliss: Bundle of joy. And para kasing tangkad na ni Detdet si Mae Coronado.
Random things about the Lady Spikers that may or may not be important
Record: 11-3
Go-to food in DLSU: Grab to Robinson’s Manila. Dine-in at Frankie’s.
Favorite quote used by a Lady Spiker this season: “Magtiwala lang sa sistema,” (Assistant coach Noel Orcullo every game, 2024).
Best TikTok video posted by a Lady Spiker this season:
Best DLSU cheer: Go La Salle! (with accent)
How to get to Mall of Asia Arena from DLSU: Book a Grab > Get some Starbucks or Yardstick Coffee at MOA > Chill for a bit > Watch the game.
Why is DLSU like Blossom: Fearless. Also, wala na din kasi ibang green na Powerpuff girl so pinalitan nalang ‘yung kulay.
Fans are surely excited for the Final Four. Let the bardagulan in the venue and on social media begin!
Catch the Final Four live this Saturday starting at 2 p.m. on One Sports, the UAAP Varsity Channel, and the Pilipinas Live app.