Games Wednesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
9 a.m. – UE vs NU (men’s)
11 a.m – Ateneo vs FEU (men’s)
1 p.m. – UE vs NU (women’s)
3 p.m. – Ateneo vs FEU (women’s)
By MARK REY MONTEJO
Reigning champion National University hopes to get back on the winning track when it takes on still winless University of the East, while Far Eastern University eyes its first back-to-back wins in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, March 4.
Though Sam Cantada is still uncertain to suit up due to right shin injury, the Lady Bulldogs remain the odds on favorites against a team eager to snap an18-game losing streak since last season.
Action between NU and UE starts at 1 p.m., with the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the Lady Tamaraws squaring off at 3 p.m. with both squads eyeing better position in the standings before the conclusion of this year’s first round.
The 18-year-old Cantada’s absence was felt by NU in the crucial the third set where the Lady Maroons, starring Niña Ytang, started to bombard them with heavy spikes.
Vange Alinsug, Arah Panique, Alexa Mata, and Chams Maaya are again expected to shine for NU.
The classic five-set thriller, a reverse sweep, will certainly serve as a lesson and an added motivation for the 3-peat seeking NU squad. And head coach Regine Diego is aware of the challenges even before the meet started.
So are Alinsug and Panique who are determined to lead the Lady Bulldofs to their third win. Also expected to deliver for NU are Lams Lamina and libero Shaira Jardio as they aim to close with current lead De La Salle (4-0).
UE, coming off a three-set loss to host University of Santo Tomas, needs to squeeze the best out of Khy Cepada, Nessa Bangayan, and Bea Zamudio if it is to dodge another defeat.
Aly Devosora, Faida Bakanke, Gerz Petallo, and Jaz Ellarina will again spearhead FEU’s attack against a team also raring to put a stop to their 4-game skid.
The quartet is also expected to spearhead the Lady Tamaraws when they face a Blue Eagles side that boast talents in the likes of Ana Hermosura, Jlo Delos Santos, Jihan Chuatico, and Zey Pacia.
In the men’s division, defending champ NU (3-1) is looking for a follow-up to its 3-0 win over UP when it tackles UE (1-3). Out to lead FEU are Leo Ordiales and Buds Buddin.
Their duel is set at 9 a.m., kickstarting the morning games that will be followed by an 11 a.m. showdown between frontrunner FEU (4-0) and Ateneo (2-2).
