Ateneo, La Salle eye to keep share of lead in UAAP volleyball

Games Wednesday:

(Mall of Asia Arena)

8 a.m. – UE vs FEU (Men)

10 a.m. – Ateneo vs AdU (Men)

2 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (Women)

4 p.m. – DLSU vs NU (Women)

MANILA, Philippines - Defending two-time champion Ateneo and De La Salle try to keep their joint hold of the top spot against separate foes Wednesday in the UAAP Season 78 women's volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Eagles take on dangerous Far Eastern University at 2 p.m., while the Lady Spikers battle unpredictable National University at 4 p.m.

Men's titleholder Ateneo, meanwhile, seeks its third straight victory and the solo lead against Adamson University at 10 a.m.

With every team aching to break their invincibility, the Lady Eagles need to maintain their A game.

Ateneo found University of Santo Tomas a tough customer before hacking out a 25-22, 25-20, 21-25, 25-15 win last Saturday, extending its winning streak to 20 games.

"We don't think about that (the streak). Siyempre, it gives us confidence but coach Tai does not stop us from hard training. Iba-iba ang natutunan namin every game," said reigning two-time MVP Alyssa Valdez.

Just like the Lady Eagles, the Lady Spikers are unbeaten in two contests, as coach Ramil de Jesus is making surprises on his starting six in every game, a possibility that he might use a different roster when they take on the Lady Bulldogs.

As an example, rookie May Luna was used in De La Salle's straight sets win over FEU but was not fielded in last Saturday's 25-14, 25-13, 19-25, 25-20 victory over University of the Philippines.

"Tinitignan lang namin kung ano ang possible naming magawa sa NU game," said De Jesus, who is seemed to play mind games this season.

Lady Bulldogs coach Roger Gorayeb emphasized the need to match the Lady Spikers' energy, especially with Ara Galang leading the way.

"Nandoon ang championship spirit nila at na-inspire sila sa pagbabalik ni Galang. Yun ang nagda-drive sa kanila lalo," said Gorayeb, who have crossed paths with De Jesus in the Finals in 2011 and 2012 while handling Ateneo.

The Lady Eagles are bracing for a tough encounter for the Lady Tamaraws, whose ace Bernadeth Pons to suit up after missing the previous match due to back problems.

Trying to move on without defensive specialists Denden Lazaro, Ella de Jesus and Michelle Morente, Ateneo needs to improve its receiving to get its attackers Valdez, Amy Ahomiro, Bea de Leon and Maddie Madayag going.

After losing to De La Salle in straight sets in opening weekend, FEU rebounded with a 25-18, 25-11, 21-25, 25-14 victory over University of the East last Sunday.

Toni Rose Basas, Jerrili Malabanan, Remy Palma and Heather Guino-o can deliver the goods for the Lady Tamaraws.

"It's anybody's ballgame, wala tayong masasabi talaga kung sino. It's an interesting season so we have to prepare not only for FEU, but for every team. We have to apply kung ano pinapagawa ni coach Tai (Bundit)," said Valdez.

Lady Tamaraws coach Shaq delos Santos wants his troops to get better especially against top-tier teams.

"Kailangang maglaro ng maayos and gawin lang ang best namin. Kailangang maging smart sa paglalaro at 100 percent focus, mentally and physically," said Delos Santos.