Lady Eagles to fuel semis drive vs Stags?

Games today

8 a.m. – NU vs UP (men’s)

10 a.m. – DLSU vs ADMU (men’s)

4 p.m. – UP vs SBC (women’s)

6:30 p.m. – SSC-R vs ADMU (women’s)

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo shoots for its second straight win and third overall in four games as it tackles San Sebastian in Group A while University of the Philippines and San Beda face off in a crucial Group B match at the resumption of the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at the  Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan today.

Hobbled by injuries to Ana Gopico (hamstring), Kim Gequillana (left knee) and Jho Maraguinot (foot sprain), the Lady Eagles banked on the return of Bea De Leon (immersion for a school requirement) and Maddie Madayag (ankle injury) in grounding the Lyceum Lady Pirates, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20, and getting back on track after bowing to the FEU Lady Tams.

Skipper De Leon remains optimistic in securing the victory and firming up Ateneo’s semis chances in their 6:30 p.m. match with the Lady Stags in the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

ADMU is in joint second with FEU at 2-1 behind National U’s pacesetting 3-0 mark in Group A while SSC-R is at joint fourth with Lyceum at 1-2 following a four-set loss against the Lady Bulldogs the last time out.

“It’s hard to see a lot of them injured, all of them who really want to be there and be of help. It’s very saddening and very hard but I hope we’ll get through,” said De Leon.

“As we’ve always done, we’ll take it one game at a time. There’s a lot of work to do, a lot of spots to fill but the end goal is as long as we get a very good experience that helps the team, we’re okay with that,” she added.

The Lady Maroons and the Red Spikers, tied at third at 2-1, virtually knock each other out in their 4 p.m. match in Group B. The winner will join Arellano at second behind unbeaten Adamson (3-0) heading to the last five elims playdates of the tournament backed by Mikasa and Asics.