By MARK REY MONTEJO
La Salle and Ateneo try to add another page to their storied rivalry in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament when they clash on Wednesday, April 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coming off a highly-emotional 15-25, 25-17, 24-26, 25-20, 16-14 win over University of Santo Tomas, the Lady Spikers are out to reassert their dominance on the Blue Eagles in their 1 p.m. showdown.
For sure, it won’t be easy this time.
The Lady Eagles, for one, are on a roll, having won their previous three games that revived their Final Four bid after a so-so showing in the first round.
Also worth watching is the UST-Adamson tiff at 3 p.m. with the Espana-based squad eager to end a three-game skid against the Shai Nitura-led Lady Falcons.
With her mom Sol confirming that she’s doing well after a scare due to a freak collision with teammate Shevana Laput, Angel Canino is ready to lead the way for the Taft-based squad with hopes of maintaining their second place for a twice-to-beat advantage.
“Kami naman kahit sino ‘yong darating na game… paghahandaan talaga namin, one game at a time lang, kung ano mang ginagawa naming paghahanda sa ibang teams, ganun din sa Ateneo,” said La Salle deputy Noel Orcullo. “Wala kaming babalewain.”
“It takes one game at a time, we gotta rest but then be ready for the next game, because no matter what happens, we’re just gonna play our game,” added Shevana Laput, who achieved her career-high 25 points against Ateneo.
Canino and Laput are anticipated to carry the fight for the Lady Spikers alongside potent hitters Alleiah Malalua, Amie Provido, Baby Jynne Soreno, and rookie playmaker Mikole Reyes.
Easier said than done, the challenge for La Salle is going to be tougher than the first one with Ateneo already regained its dominant form as it was fresh from a 25-23, 25-14, 25-23 victory over Adamson to go three in a row.
Lyann De Guzman, AC Miner and Zey Pacia are expected to be at the forefront with Yvanna Sulit, Jihann Chuatico, and Taks Fujimoto as supporting cast for the Blue Eagles who want to avenge their 25-15, 25-14, 20-25, 25-19 loss to La Salle last March 12.
The Golden Tigresses are hoping to repeat over the Lady Falcons whom they beat, 25-21, 20-25, 25-13, 27-25, on March 1.
Angge Poyos, Reg Jurado, Cassie Carballo and Detdet Pepito need to double their efforts if they are to end the bleeding.
In men’s double-header actions, La Salle tussles Ateneo at 9 a.m. while UST and Adamson battle in their 11 a.m. showpiece.
