DE LA SALLE and Far Eastern University, aiming for a better ranking at the end of first round, dispute solo third spot today (Saturday) in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Both sporting 4-2 records, the Lady Spikers and the Tamaraws are going all out in the 3 p.m. match as the winner will keep within reach of the pacesetters.
Defending champion National University (6-0) and University of Santo Tomas (5-1) clash in a rematch of last season’s Finals Sunday at the Big Dome.
Ateneo and University of the East, mired at the bottom of the standings with 1-5 and 0-6 records, try to close out their challenging first round campaigns on a high note at 1 p.m.
After losing two of their first three matches to open the season, De La Salle and FEU were able to remain in the upper half of the standings.
The Lady Spikers were able to pick up three straight victories with the league’s third-leading scorer Angel Canino and Shevana Laput leading the charge.
Despite the short turnaround after last Wednesday’s 25-15, 25-14, 20-25, 25-19 conquest of Ateneo, De La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus is looking forward for an ideal preparation for its first round finale.
Well rested after playing a stretch of three matches in one week, the Lady Tamaraws were perfect during that span that tested their character behind Gerzel Petallo and Congo’s Faida Bakanke.
“Lahat naman ng teams, nire-review namin at pinapagaaralan namin kung ano bang advantage ang puwede namin makuha sa kanila at bibigyan namin ng magandang laban ang FEU,” said De Jesus.
The Lady Tamaraws hope to capitalize on their week-long break to handle the Lady Spikers.
“Siguro nga, ‘yun ‘yung nagiging mindset kasi talagang contender na, kailangan talaga ipakita, hindi lang kailangang sabihin, kailangang trabahuin talaga na contender tayo,” said FEU assistant coach Manolo Refugia.
It was a tough first round for the Blue Eagles, who lost JLo delos Santos, Zel Tsunashima and Sobe Buena to injuries, as they lost three in a row, including last Wednesday’s rivalry match against the Lady Spikers.
Ateneo’s Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso is not giving up on the season.
“We can improvise our players. For now, we only have two days to prepare because without now I have only my have 12 original outside players and one of them it’s Alex Montoro, her first season and I need to adjust (Zey) Pacia and I’m so proud because Zey Pacia played very good with this pressure,” said Veloso.
The Lady Warriors, whose roster was decimated with the departure of their last season’s prized rookies led by Casiey Dongallo, hope to remain motivated to compete and eventually earn a breakthrough.
Khy Cepada and Van Bangayan are carrying the load for UE, with libero Ange Reyes taking care of the defensive end.
In the men’s division, FEU shoots for a first round sweep against De La Salle at 11 a.m.
In a showdown between two sides which figured prominently in preseason leagues, the Tamaraws eye to extend their perfect run to seven matches against the Green Spikers, who are aiming to foil their foes’ sweep bid.
Ateneo and UE collide in the other men’s match at 9 a.m.
Games Saturday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
9 a.m. – Ateneo vs UE (Men)
11 a.m. – FEU vs DLSU (Men)
1 p.m. – Ateneo vs UE (Women)
3 p.m. – FEU vs DLSU (Women)