By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan City)
8 a.m. – Ateneo vs UE (Men’s)
10 a.m. – UST vs FEU (Men’s)
2 p.m. – La Salle vs Adamson (Women’s)
4 p.m. – FEU vs UE (Women’s)
Defending champion La Salle seeks the first twice-to-beat advantage and the No. 1 seeding in the semis when it goes for its 12th win against Adamson today in UAAP women’s volleyball at The Arena in San Juan City.
Match is set at 2 p.m. with the Lady Spikers not only going for a repeat win but also determined to improve their 11-2 record.
Despite its superior record, La Salle is not expecting a smooth ride since Adamson – with a 5-7 mark – is desperate for a win.
Another defeat will eliminate the Lady Falcons from the semis race and fourth-running National University (7-6) to complete the semis cast.
Aside from La Salle, also in the semis are Ateneo and Far Eastern University,
The Lady Falcons, who were beaten by the Lady Spikers in four sets in the first round, dropped to fifth place following a stinging 25-22, 25-27, 14-25, 25-22, 15-11 loss to the Lady Tamaraws.
Adamson coach Air Padda wants her players to play with a sense of urgency this time if they are to advance to the semis.
But for that to happen, Padda has to get the best out of Jema Galanza, Mylene Paat and Risha Emnas to outplay the Lady Spikers.
Currently leading in the service, digging, setting and receiving departments, La Salle coach Ramil De Jesus expects the same intensity from his players led by Kim Dy, Majoy Baron, Dawn Macandili and Desiree Cheng.
In the other pairing, FEU aims to bolster its bid for the twice-to-be semis incentive when it squares off with also-ran University of the East at 4 p.m.
Toting an 8-4 card, a win for the Lady Tamaraws will enable them to draw level with the Ateneo Lady Eagles at second place with one match left in the elims.