Games Today (The Arena, San Juan City)
4 p.m. — Adamson vs Arellano
6:30 p.m. — FEU vs Ateneo
Four undefeated squads cross paths today in a pair of blockbuster matches at The Arena in San Juan City in the 2017 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Collegiate Conference.
Reigning NCAA champion Arellano University takes on fellow Group B member Adamson at 4 p.m.
The Lady Chiefs are out to extend their winning streak to three while the Lady Falcons hope to sustain their momentum of their victory over University of the Philippines last Monday.
All eyes will be on prized transferee Eli Soyud, a former member of UAAP powerhouse La Salle, as she teams up anew with team captain Jema Galanza in leading the Lady Falcons’ attack against the Lady Chiefs’ solid net defense anchored by Regine Arocha, Mary Ann Esguerra, and skipper Jovielyn Prado.
“It’s all about team effort,” said the 5-foot-10 Soyud, deflecting the credit to her fellow Lady Falcons following a 27-point effort against the stubborn Lady Maroons.
Ateneo, fresh from a one-week break following a solid straight-sets victory over Jose Rizal University, returns to action at 6:30 p.m. against Far Eastern University who posted an impressive three-set win against San Sebastian over the weekend.
Despite the departure of ace playmaker Jia Morado and hitter Michelle Morente, Ateneo’s first-time team skipper Bea de Leon is confident they can plug the holes ahead of their UAAP title campaign.
And the Lady Eagles’ performance against the Lady Tamaraws, bannered by Bernadeth Pons, Toni Rose Basas, and Jerrili Malabanan, should serve as an indication how far their rebuilding process has come.
“FEU is very strong. In a way, we won’t lose because, like what they say, it’s either we win or we learn,” said De Leon who will have the likes of Kat Tolentino, Jules Samonte, and Maddie Madayag backing her up. (Jerome Lagunzad)