by Kristel Satumbaga
Games Today (The Arena, San Juan City)
8 a.m. – UP vs NU (men’s)
10 a.m. – FEU vs La Salle (men’s)
2 p.m. – UE vs La Salle (women’s)
4 p.m. – Ateneo vs Adamson (women’s)
Ateneo tries to bounce back from a stinging defeat to La Salle as it goes for the first twice-to-beat semis advantage as the UAAP women’s volleyball competition resumes today at The Arena in San Juan City.
With a 10-2 record, the Lady Eagles need only to beat the also-ran Adamson Lady Falcons in their 4 p.m. showdown to secure one of two semis bonuses.
Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro is hoping the week-long respite will be enough to heal the pain of a 25-17, 25-13, 25-23 loss to archrival La Salle before the Lenten break.
In that game, the Lady Eagles showed none of the brilliance that won for themselves 10 straight games as they failed to make a single block.
That will be the mission of Bea De Leon, Maddie Madayag and Kat Tolentino who all vowed to make amends from their not-so impressive plays the last time.
Also crucial for the team is setter Deanna Wong.
The Lady Eagles can claim the No. 1 seeding if they beat the University of the East Lady Warriors on Sunday.
The Lady Spikers are targeting a semis playoff in their 2 p.m. clash with the Lady Warriors.
La Salle is toting a 9-3 mark – just half a game behind third-running University of Santo Tomas Tigresses.
Kath Arado banner the Lady Warriors’ floor defense as Mary Ann Mendrez and Judith Abil takes charge of their attacks.
Rookie-veteran tandem Jolina Dela Cruz and Des Cheng are set to spearhead La Salle’s offense once again along with versatile setter Michelle Cobb.