Ateneo, La Salle renew rivalry

Games today: (Mall of Asia Arena) 10 a.m. — NU vs UP (m) 12 p.m. — La Salle vs Ateneo (m) 2 p.m. — NU vs UP (w) 4 p.m. — La Salle vs Ateneo (w)

Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University rekindle their ages-old rivalry Saturday as the Blue Eagles try to score their first victory against the Lady Spikers since 2017 in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Coming off a tough 18-25, 23-25, 25-14, 25-16, 12-15 loss against the University of Santo Tomas, the defending champions Lady Spikers, however, are expected to ramp up their game to try and get back to their winning ways.

“La Salle is a strong team but no matter who play on the other side, we will try to do our best,” Ateneo’s Brazilian head coach Sergio Veloso said.

“All the time, I tell our players to try to do your best. Play 100-110 percent and if the other team play very well too, it’s good. It’s good for the fans. Good for everybody having a good match,” he continued.

The Blue Eagles attempt to capture their third win of the season following their hard-fought, 22-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-17, 15-9, victory over the University of the Philippines on Wednesday.

Sobe Buena, who made heads turn against UP, stressed that following the gameplan to the letter is crucial.

“It is so important that we stick to the system and that we are able to enjoy and trust each other inside the court,” Buena said.

“I think in today’s game (against UP), that was really really important and I think if we do that against La Salle, we will able to play well against them,” Buena said.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons remain hopeful of getting their first win as they take on National University at 2 p.m.

The Lady Bulldogs, fresh from backto-back wins after sweeping Adamson University and escaping the Blue Eagles in a five-set thriller, shoot for their third win.

In the men’s division, the four-peat-seeking Bulldogs go up against the Fighting Maroons at 10 a.m., while the Blue Eagles and the Green Spikers face off at 12 p.m.