Games Wednesday
(FilOil EcoOil Centre, San Juan City)
9 a.m. – UP vs NU (men’s)
11 a.m. – UP vs NU (women’s)
3 p.m. – UE vs FEU (men’s)
5 p.m. – UE vs FEU (women’s)
By MARK REY MONTEJO
Reigning champion National University looks forward to extend its streak to 9 games when it collides with University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 26, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Coming off a four-set victory over La Salle, the Lady Bulldogs aim to reaffirm their mastery over the Fighting Maroons in their 11 a.m. showpiece while battling at 5 p.m. are Far Eastern University and University of the East.
With its sustained domination, NU is now sitting comfortably atop the standings with a pristine 8-0 record while La Salle, University of Santo Tomas, and FEU are bunched at second to fourth places with similar 5-3 marks.
Despite their success this early, he Lady Bulldogs vowed to remain hungry and focused on the task on hand as they seek to complete their two-peat bid.
“Despite sa mga ginawa namin kanina, marami parin kaming lapses and mga unnecessary errors, so kailangan ulit naming pagtrabahuhan ‘yon,” said NU seasoned setter Lams Lamina.
“Ganun din po kasi alam kopo ‘yong full capability ng team namin, so I think meron pa kaming kayang gawin… katulad ng sinabe ni Lams, marami kaming mga lapses,” added Bella Belen, who is on track on winning her third Most Valuable Player plum.
Like clockwork, NU will rely heavily anew on its assortment of weapons led by Belen and Alyssa Solomon – the team’s 1-2 punch – and the creative brilliance of setter Lamina.
Ready to provide extra firepower are Vange Alinsug, Erin Pangilinan, Alexa Mata, and Arah Panique.
The State University, tied with Ateneo and Adamson at 3-5, needs to come up with a superlative performance if it is to beat NU.
That job falls on with Nina Ytang, Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Kas Doering and Kianne Olango who are still trying recover from a heartbreaking 15-25, 25-23, 27-25, 30-32, 16-14 loss to the Blue Eagles.
Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraws, who beat UST anew via a dramatic 25-22, 26-24, 17-25, 26-24 triumph last weekend, eye to resume their superb display against the Lady Warriors.
Spearheading FEU are skipper Tin Ubaldo, Faida Bakanke, Gerz Petallo, Mitzi Panangin, Jaz Ellarina and Chen Tagaod.
In men’s action, NU and UP battle for a bounce back win in their 9 a.m. skirmish while UE and FEU collide at 3 p.m.
