THE La Salle Lady Spikers will try to nail their first crown in three years when they meet the defending champion Ateneo Lady Eagles in Game 2 of the 78th University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball finals at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
And going into today’s clash, La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus said he’s confident that the Lady Spikers will be up to the challenge of toppling the back-to-back champions.
“Bumalik na ang tiwala sa sarili ng mga players. Kakayanin namin ito kahit na alam namin na napakahirap manalo sa back-to-back champions,” said De Jesus.
La Salle played tough team defense against the Lady Eagles in Game 1, even as Mika Reyes, Kim Dy and Majoy Baron combined to steer the Lady Spikers to a resounding straight-sets, 25-22, 25-22, 25-21 victory.
The Lady Eagles, meanwhile, are expected to bounce back in Game 2.
“I think our mindset, we really have to go back to what we believe in. Our teammates, coaches and system always go back to playing happy, united and heart strong,” said Lady Eagle team skipper Alyssa Valdez.
In Game 1, Jia Morado hurt her right hand, but she is expected to return to fighting form as they try to force a sudden death with the Lady Spikers.
Meanwhile, the Ateneo Blue Eagles will seek to retain the men’s crown when they take on National University in Game 2 of the men’s finals at 12 nn.
Marck Espejo showcased the same brilliant game which gave him the Most Valuable Player award as the Blue Eagles look to follow up their 23-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-18 victory over the Bulldogs in Game last Saturday.
Meanwhile, Valdez was named the UAAP’s Most Valuable Player for the Women’s Division for a third straight season.
Other awardees were best spiker—Jaja Santiago (National University); best blocker—Mary Joy Baron (La Salle), Best Digger—Dawn Macandili (La Salle), Best Receiver—Dawn Macandili (La Salle), Best Server—Kim Fajardo (La Salle) and Rookie of the Year—Isa Molde (University of the Philippines)
In the men’s division, Ateneo’s Marck Espejo was named league MVP, while also bagging the Best Spiker and Best Server awards.