Ateneo to end losing streak vs La Salle

ATENEO de Manila University and De La Salle University renew their rivalry today, March 2, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Spikers, however, have won their last 12 meetings against the Blue Eagles dating back from May 2, 2017 and are favored to prevail again today.

Riding on the momentum of last Wednesday’s 22-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-17, 15-9 victory over University of the Philippines to finally crash into the win column after a 0-2 start, Ateneo needs to elevate its game several notches higher in the 2 p.m. contest.

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

Lyann de Guzman, who scored a career-high 24 points against the Fighting Maroons last Wednesday, knows that the Blue Eagles can match well against the defending champions.

“We all know na sobrang big talaga ‘pag nagtapat ang Ateneo at La Salle. But as coach said we just need to keep on playing and do our job inside the court and eventually win the game,” said de Guzman.

Sobe Buena, who had an impressive 18-of-36 attacks the last time, stressed the need for the Blue Eagles to follow Veloso’s game plan to the letter against the Lady Spikers.

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

Coming off a tough five-set loss, the Lady Spikers are expected to show up with a lot of fire in their eyes.

De La Salle bowed to University of Santo Tomas 18-25, 23-25, 2514, 25-16, 12-15 last Sunday.

National University, meanwhile, shoots for its third straight win as it takes on UP in the first match at 2 p.m.

The Lady Bulldogs and the Lady Spikers are locked in a three-way tie in second place with idle Far Eastern University.

The Tigresses, who will play the Lady Tamaraws Sunday, are the only undefeated team at 3-0.

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 in their own rivalry duel at 12 noon.