Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan City)
8 a.m. – UE vs FEU (men’s)
10 a.m. – Ateneo vs Adamson (men’s)
2 p.m. – UP vs Adamson (women’s)
4 p.m. – Ateneo vs NU (women’s)
Pacesetter Ateneo tries to formalize its Final Four entry and strengthen its bid for a twice-to-beat semifinal incentive when it battles a tough National University (NU) today in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
After a 1-1 start, the Lady Eagles appeared invincible as they ran away with eight straight victories to remain at the helm.
Ateneo stakes that winning run against the Lady Bulldogs in their 4 p.m. confrontation.
Retribution is also in the minds of the Lady Eagles as they aim to avenge their 25-17, 25-13, 19-25, 29-27 lone defeat against the Lady Bulldogs in their first meeting last Feb. 8.
Despite securing the first Final Four berth, Ateneo is still not letting its guard down as it eyes more improvement from its game.
“Hindi kasi iniisip ni Coach Tai yung record kasi gusto niya pataas nang pataas lang yung laro namin,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sherwin Meneses, referring to their head coach Tai Bundit.
“Kailangan kasing i-sustain namin itong momentum namin,” he added.
Ateneo is coming off a hard-earned 25-20, 25-22, 17-25, 21-25,15-8 triumph against Far Eastern University where it squandered a two-set lead before the win.
Vastly-improving Jho Maraguinot is expected to lead the Lady Eagles after a 23-point explosion the last time, and is set to join forces with Bea De Leon, Kat Tolentino and Jia Morado in firing a variety of plays.
But NU, which is at joint fourth with a 6-4 card, is determined to duplicate its feat against Ateneo.
NU Coach Roger Gorayeb, however, said they needed to double their efforts – particularly their reception – despite winning over University of the East, 25-15, 25-21, 22-25, 25-21, last Sunday.
In that game, the Lady Bulldogs committed 37 unforced errors.
“Kailangan pagtibayin pa namin yung depensa namin,” said Gorayeb.
Six-foot-4 Jaja Santiago, Risa Sato, and Jasmine Nabor are slated to match Ateneo’s core.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines (5-5) clashes with winless Adamson (0-10) at 2 p.m. to keep its Final Four bid alive.