The SSC spikers fought back from a first-set loss to stun the inaugural champion Tigresses, 10-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-14, in a victory that spoke well of the character of the Recoletos-based squad and its preparations during the off-season.
Cherry Macatangay, Jennifer Bohawe, Cecil Chavas and Ann Latigay will be the players to watch again for the SSC squad as it tries to seize control in the early going of the event sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and organized by Sports Vision Management Group, Inc.
FEU will be bannered by May Rovira with support to come from the likes of Genelyn Alemania, Khristine Infante, Dianne Cu, Josephine Cafranca, Mary Ann Manalo and Dianne Torres.
Gametime is set at 3 p.m.
Ateneo, on the other hand, eyes a big rebound from its loss to La Salle, 18-25, 23-25, 20-25, as it plays Lyceum in the 5 p.m. main game of the event backed by IBC-13, Jemah Television, ACCEL and Mikasa.
But the Lady Eagles, backstopped by Michelle Laborte and Amelia Guanco, will not only be facing a tough Lyceum side but a hostile crowd as well in their bid to post their first victory on their maiden season after bowing to the Archers last Saturday.
Highlights of the matches in the grueling double-round elims will be shown over IBC Channel 13 tomorrow starting at 7 p.m.
The tournament, which revived women’s volleyball in the country, also serves as part of the national team’s preparations for the SEA Games late this year with each competing team reinforced by at least two members of the RP pool.
To deny Ateneo its first win, Lyceum must draw the best from Beverly Boto, Diorella Gonzalgo, Joana Fernando, Mary Grace Babalo and Raiza Carillo and the home crowd expected to come in full force to root for the Muralla-based spikers.