Tigresses out to give Lady Eagles second loss

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas tries to pin an Ateneo side eager to take flight even as University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University both seek their second straight victories in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan today.

The Tigresses started with a 25-21, 25-21, 24-26, 24-26, 15-6 victory over the Adamson Lady Falcons and are looking to take their second victim in the Lady Eagles, who surrendered to archrival De La Salle Lady Spikers, 14-25, 17-25, 25-16, 19-25, in their debut.

UST’s Sisi Rondina, Milena Alessandrini and Eya Laure appear to be in top form against Ateneo which aims to bounce back after drawing its only double-digit scoring production from Kat Tolentino (16 points).

Game time is at 2 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Lady Maroons and the Lady Tamaraws will bank on their strong starts – UP won against University of the East, 25-12, 22-25, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12, while FEU prevailed over youthful National University, 22-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-12 – on opening day and will try to roll to their second win in their 4 p.m. meet.

“Every team wants to win. FEU is a strong team. They have a lot of experience and I believe, if we play hard, we have a chance of winning. We just have to play our volleyball because most of my players know what they are doing, they are good at their game and they know how to handle themselves. I know FEU will be coming for a revenge,” said Lady Maroons coach Godfrey Okumu, whose squad ended a 36-year drought for a major title at the Lady Tamaraws’ expense in the Premiere Volleyball League Collegiate Conference last September.

Isa Molde, adjudged the UAAP Press Corps’ Player of the Week after a 23-point, 10-excellent reception output in UP’s first victory, will lead her squad together with Tots Carlos, Justine Dorog and Ayel Estrañero.

But Lycha Ebon, who debuted with 13 points on nine attacks and four aces as well as four excellent receptions, Celine Domingo, Jerrili Malabanan and Heather Guino-o vowed to display their A-game for FEU as well.