Ateneo, La Salle begin title series today

UAAP VOLLEYBALL

NOW THAT the jubilation over surviving a do-or-die match has subsided, La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus has the chance to ponder on the things he has to worry about.

On top of the list is facing for the fifth straight title duel an opponent that has gotten stronger with each passing showdown and has won the last two UAAP volleyball crowns.

And, as if that’s not enough, “we didn’t have enough time to prepare,” said De Jesus.

Ateneo inches closer to another double crown with its men’s and women’s teams facing familiar rivals who needed an extra playdate to dispose of their Final Four foes.

The Lady Eagles battle La Salle’s Lady Spikers anew at Smart Araneta Coliseum today, rehashing a rivalry that has generated a lot of attention.

They split their elimination round games but Ateneo should have a slight edge in rest and preparation.

The Lady Eagles had a week to get ready after easily booting out University of the Philippines in the Final Four. “Coach Tai (Bundit) said we have to improve the basics,” said Alyssa Valdez, the two-time Most Valuable Player vying to lead the Lady Eagles to a third straight title. “We have to be consistent, like with our service receive and blocking.”

La Salle has the momentum after surviving the Lady Tamaraws’ challenge. But the lack of training days has left De Jesus with “mixed emotions.”

“Last time we met, we lost,” said De Jesus. “So I think we’re the underdogs.”

The ladies take the court at 4 p.m. after Ateneo’s Blue Eagles battle NU’s Bulldogs at 12 noon in a reprise of last year’s championship duel.

“We hope [our players’] intensity, focus and hard work are still there,” said Ateneo men’s coach Oliver Almadro.