Focus on Thai aces as Ateneo, Perpetual clash

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo tries to move closer to a Final Four stint as it goes up against Perpetual Help in a top Group A matchup today featuring the clash of Thai aces Kesinee Lithawat and Jeng Bualee in the eighth Shakey’s V-League first conference at The Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Eagles tote a 1-0 card by virtue of their victory over the Lyceum Pirates in the elims and hope to roll past the Altas in their 4 p.m. game and move within a win from booking the first berth in the semis.

Lithawat, the leading spiker in the elims with 28 of 57 hits, is expected to lead Ateneo’s attack again along with fellow guest player Alyssa Valdez and mainstays Fille Cainglet, Dzi Gervacio, Jamenea Ferrer, Aerieal Patnongon and Gretchen Ho.

But the Altas (1-1) are raring to bounce back from a sorry setback to the Pirates last Tuesday with Bualee out to steer the team to an all-important win for a shot at a semis slot in the tournament sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and backed by Accel and Mikasa.

Bualee, tapped by Perpetual Help following the early ouster of San Sebastian, fired 23 hits against Lyceum and is tipped to double her effort against Lithawat and the fancied Eagles.

Southwestern U, meanwhile, seeks a crucial win over National U in the 2 p.m. opener with the Lady Cobras seeking to stay in the hunt for a semis seat. They are coming off a five-set loss to fellow Visayan squad University of St. La Salle-Bacolod last Tuesday where they rallied from two sets down to draw level only to lose steam in the decider.

Danika Gendrauli, Princess Pido and Rapril Aguilar will be the players to watch for SWU with support to come from Fritzie Aligway, Danalie Baquiro, Lori Layno and guest player Erika Verano.