De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas make one final push for the precious twice-to-beat semis advantage as the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament returns to action after a long Holy Week break on Wednesday, April 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Reeling from a painful five-set loss to University of the Philippines last April 13, the Lady Spikers are determined to bounce back and bolster their twice-to-beat bid when they face the Shai Nitura-led Adamson Lady Falcons at 3 p.m.

The Golden Tigresses and the semis-seeking Fighting Maroons, meanwhile, collide at 1 p.m.

A win either from La Salle or UST could break the two-way tie in the standings as both squads hold a similar 8-4 record.

If Adamson (5-7), which is already out of the Final Four picture, and UP (6-6) take the victory against DLSU and UST, respectively, FEU (8-5) will have its chance of stealing the second semis reward after reigning champion National University secured the first one as the No. 1 team.

La Salle, however, has grand plans of holding its ground and fending off Nitura and the Lady Falcons, with head coach Ramil de Jesus knowing well the team's ultimate goal this season.

“Actually ito talaga ‘yong goal namin na hawakan ‘yong second hanggang sa dulo para at least makuha namin ‘yong twice-to-beat advantage,” stressed de Jesus.

With skipper Angel Canino and Shevana Laput leading the charge, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, and Mikole Reyes, to name a few, are expected to provide support for the Lady Spikers.

Aside from their arsenals, La Salle needs to build a better defense this time around as they battle the young and high-leaping Nitura, who is fresh off her fifth 30-point game in Adamson’s 14-25, 29-27, 25-22, 25-22 triumph over FEU.

The emerging star from Cainta, Rizal with her fellow rookie teammates Frances Mordi and Fhei Sagaysay carry the scoring cudgels for the Lady Falcons alongside mainstays Mayang Nuique and Jen Villegas.

In UST-UP action, Reg Jurado, Angge Poyos, Cassie Carballo and Detdet Pepito aim to give the Tigresses their fourth consecutive win to further increase their chances of taking the bonus in the semis.

But the Fighting Maroons are full of confidence after taking down the Lady Spikers before the Holy Week break.

Joan Monares, Kianne Olango, and Kassandra Doering, who was superb in their previous outing, need to replicate their showing, so do Nina Ytang, Irah Jaboneta and playmaker Jaz Manguilimotan.

Meanwhile in the men’s play, UST squares off with UP at 9 a.m., while La Salle meets Adamson at 11 a.m.