Galang returns as La Salle battles FEU

MANILA, Philippines – Ara Galang returns to action as La Salle tangles with Far Eastern University today at the resumption of the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament at the Philsports Arena.?         ?

Whether Galang has fully recovered from a harrowing knee injury she sustained in the semifinals last year remains to be seen but the Lady Spikers are determined to reclaim the crown after successive runner-up finishes.?

Gametime is at 4 p.m. right after University of Santo Tomas takes on dangerous Adamson University in the curtain raiser at 2 p.m.

In men’s play, La Salle collides with University of the East at 10 a.m. right after National University and Adamson face off at 8 a.m. ?

Toughened by their stint in a club league, the Lady Spikers boast of one of the tallest frontlines in Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron and Christine Soyud.

If Galang gropes for form, the Taft-based squad can count on Kim Dy and Cyd Demecillo for their offense, libero Dawn Macandili will take care on the defensive end, while setter Kim Fajardo will do what she does best in orchestrating plays.?

But the Lady Tams are out to fuel their drive for the elusive 30th championship with veteran setter Gyzelle Sy returning for one final stab for glory along with holdovers Bernadeth Pons, Remy Palma, Jerilli Malabanan, Toni Rose Basas and rookie Carly Hernandez.?

With Pam Lastimosa out due to ACL injury, new skipper EJ Laure, last year’s co-Rookie of the Year, will carry the load of the Tigresses, who are eyeing to end years of failed Final Four bid with coach Kungfu Reyes, who took over from Odjie Mamon who is now full-time with their men’s team.?

Middle hitters Ria Meneses, Chloe Cortez and Jessey de Leon, along with open spikers Carmela Tunay, Cherry Rondina and comebacking Gi Reyes will be the vital cogs for UST.?

Hoping to recover from a seventh place finish, the Lady Falcons, who played against club teams in Thailand last month, will bank on veterans Mylene Paat, Jema Galanza, Erika Alkuino, Keith Lebumfacil, Jelli Tempiatura and Joy Dacoron.