Ateneo tests UST mettle; Perpetual seeks semis

Manila, Philippines - Semifinalists Ateneo and UST clash today in a duel of unbeaten teams tipped to slug it out for the crown even as Perpetual Help guns for the third Final Four berth against University of St. La Salle-Bacolod in the ninth Shakey’s V-League Presented by Smart at The Arena in San Juan City.

Boasting of high-powered rosters, the Lady Eagles and the Tigresses collide in the 6 p.m. main game of another explosive triple-bill in what could be a preview of the championship with the former seeking their seventh win in a row and the latter out to stretch their streak to five.

Focus will be on the local crew of both teams with Ateneo expected to lean again on the power-hitting Alyssa Valdez, Fille Cainglet, Dzi Gervacio, Gretchen Ho and setter Jam Ferrer against a UST side bannered by Judy Caballejo, Maika Ortiz, Maruja Banaticla, former MVP Mary Jean Balse and playmaker Rhea Dimaculangan.

Thai imports Phee Nok Kesinee of Ateneo and UST’s Utaiwan Kaensing, on the other hand, will provide the leadership and poise for the most dominant teams in the season-opening conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.

Reigning NCAA champion Perpetual Help, meanwhile, tries to formalize its stint in the semis and end USLS’ hopes in the 2 p.m. opener while San Sebastian (2-2) hopes to check its rollercoaster ride and move closer to Final Four against a struggling Far Eastern U side at 4 p.m.

With a 3-1 card, the Altas need only to hurdle one of their last three quarterfinal matches to advance although they expect a tough outing against the back-to-the-wall Lady Stingers, who at 2-4 must win their final game and hope that SSC or Perpetual won’t go over three wins to force a playoff for the last semis berth.

The Lady Tams (1-4) have a much tougher assignment as they need to sweep their last two games, including against the Lady Stags, who are also going all-out for a victory to enhance their semis bid in the event backed by Mikasa and Accel.

Meanwhile, the first two matches will be aired tomorrow (Monday) at AKTV 13 starting at 7 p.m., according to the organizing Sports Vision. Games, however, can be viewed live on streaming on www.v-league.ph.