1. Eya Laure’s health
Despite being a rookie, Eya Laure is undoubtedly a huge part of UST’s offensive attack. Without her, Sisi Rondina’s margin for error shrinks to virtually zero. We hope two days will be enough for Laure to recover from her injury.
2. The role players from both teams
This series has seen players from both teams step up to help get the load off their respective stars’ shoulders. Alina Bicar has emerged as a solid setter for the Tigresses. In Game 2, Dani Ravena of Ateneo proved to be an integral part in receiving what escapes Ateneo’s already stifling net defense. While we can expect the usual suspects for both teams to light up the stat sheet once again, it will be how players like Jules Samonte, Ponggay Gaston, and Ravena for Ateneo and Bicar, Caitlyn Viray, and even Dimdim Pacres (should Laure not be 100%) for UST perform that can swing the game for their respective teams.
3. The graduating players will leave it all on the court
This will be the last UAAP game for players like Maddie Madayag, Bea de Leon, and Sisi Rondina. While we all know that they will be regular features in the pro circuit after Saturday, there’s no better feeling than finishing your college stint with a championship. Madayag and de Leon have already tasted how it is to be on top so they will be looking to end their college careers with another trophy. Rondina is definitely hungry and will not go down without a fight. Look for these seniors to play the best volleyball of their lives.
4. The crowd
Just look at this photo.
From the looks of it, the fans from España are raring to shout their lungs out in support of their team. Expect the #KamiNaman chants to ring out from the patron section all the way to general admission. Ateneo, on the other hand, has always prided itself in having one of the best crowds in all of UAAP. If your Thomasian or Atenean friends are still hoarse on Monday, please forgive them.
5. The coaching
If you thought volleyball coaching was all about stating the obvious or making inspiring speeches during timeouts then you are sorely mistaken. Both Kungfu Reyes and Oliver Almadro are two of the best at what they do and it will be interesting to see what adjustments they make to counter each other. At the very least, we might get gems like this from Coach O: