By MARK REY MONTEJO
Games Wednesday
(Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City)
9 a.m. – La Salle vs UST (men’s)
11 a.m. – Adamson vs UE (men’s)
1 p.m. – Adamson vs UE (women’s)
5 p.m. – La Salle vs UST (women’s)
High-flying Angel Canino of La Salle and Angge Poyos of University of Santo Tomas, two of the league’s brightest stars, are set to fire up the night Wednesday, Feb. 26, when their respective teams clash in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.
In a game expected to draw another massive crowd, the 5 p.m. showdown will showcase how potent these two exciting players are as they try to help power their teams to back-to-back wins after dropping their opening-game assignments.
Also worth watching for is the 1 p.m. clash between Adamson and University of the East in a game that will have a sub-plot to offer.
It’s the duel between super rookie Shaina Nitura of Adamson and rising star Khy Cepada of the Recto-based UE crew.
Canino, the Season 85 Rookie of the Year-MVP winner, was back to her element in the team’s impressive 3-0 win over the Adamson Lady Falcons after being restricted to just 7 points in the team’s shocking 3-set defeat to defending champion NU in the opener last week.
Having whetted her winning appetite, expect the charming Canino to deliver another masterful performance, reminiscent of her 15-point output the last time.
Both Canino and coach Ramil de Jesus, however, see a tense and furious battle with the Golden Tigresses.
For one, the Golden Tigresses are coming off a gutsy 3-1 win over the UE Lady Warriors last Saturday where Poyos, Regina Jurado, Margaret Altea, and Athena Abbu delivered significant numbers.
Out to give Canino the offensive support are Alleiah Malaluan and Shevana Laput.
UAAP Season 87 Volleyball Tournament’s standings
Women’s Division
NU 3-0
UP 2-1
Adamson 1-1
UST 1-1
La Salle 1-1
Ateneo 1-2
FEU 1-2
UE 0-2
Men’s Division
FEU 3-0
NU 2-1
Ateneo 2-1
UST 1-1
La Salle 1-1
UP 1-2
UE 0-2
Adamson 0-2
