Games Sunday (The Arena, San Juan)
2 p.m. – Lyceum vs Ateneo (Battle for Third)
4 p.m. – UST vs SSC (Finals, Game 1)

After clinching the last Shakey’s V-League finals berth last Thursday, University of Santo Tomas assistant coach Vilet Ponce de Leon expects a tougher ride to the Promised Land.

But he said they’re ready.

“I think they are ready (for the championships). Nag-level up na yung game nila although kelangan pa ng konting polishing,” said Ponce De Leon after the Tigresses ousted the pesky Lyceum Lady Pirates, 25-19, 21-25, 25-17, 25-18, in their semifinal series.

The win not only validated their status as one of the country’s top volleyball team but also erased doubts about their capability to rise from adversity.

They dropped the opening of their best-of-three series but won the next two matches to seal their 9th finals appearances in as many tries – a record likely to stand for years.

Since joining the inaugural staging of the event in 2004, the Tigresses have never missed playing in the finals except for 2006 and 2008 when they did not compete for lack of players.

“I’m happy that players’ hard work paid off,” said Ponce de Leon, who subbed in the absence of Shaq Delos Santos for the second straight game. “It just showed how they’ve work hard the past few years.”

The win likewise helped them arrange a title showdown with the San Sebastian College for the fifth time.

The Excelroof-backed SSC belles advanced to the finals by sweeping the Ateneo Lady Eagles in their own series.

Like the Tigresses, the SSC belles are also upbeat on their chances. The best-of-three finals series starts Sunday at 4 p.m. at the same venue.

The two powerhouse squads have met in the finals four times with the Tigresses, who have won a record six titles, leading their head-to-head encounter, 3-1.

Looking ahead, Ponce de Leon believes the Tigresses will face tougher outing against the SSC belles owing to their superior offensive.

“Comparing Lyceum to San Sebastian, I think SSC has a lot more offensive players that we should keep an eye on,” Ponce de Leon said.

“There is (Thai import) Jeng Bualee, Analyn Benito and Suzane Roces.”

Meanwhile, UST’s Aiza Maizo may have fallen short in her bid to win back-to-back MVP plum after she finished fourth behind three Thai imports in the scoring department after semifinal round.