Lady Archers test mettle of Tigresses

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion La Salle and University of Santo Tomas clash in an early duel of the fancied teams as the UAAP volleyball competitions fires off Sunday at The Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Archers and Tigresses test each other’s mettle at 3:30 p.m., just after the UE Lady Warriors  and UP Lady Maroons face off at 1:30 p.m.

Action formally kicks off Saturday, also at Arena, with host National University taking on Adamson at 2 p.m. and Far Eastern University colliding with Ateneo at 4 p.m.

Still, focus will be on the La Salle-UST match with reigning MVP Abigail Marano of La Salle wary of their chances without last year’s skipper Cha Cruz.

“We can’t tell that for now (retain the title), but we’ll work for it,” said Marano during the PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

Incidentally, La Salle and UST are running first and second, respectively, in the tight race for the UAAP overall championship, making the second semester a make-or-break campaign not only for the top two schools but also the rest of the field.

Loren Lantin of UST said she likes the team’s chances of dethroning the Lady Archers.

“Our chances this year is quite good. Our goal is to make the finals, and then take it from there one game at a time,” said Lantin.

Joining them in the session presented by Pagcor and Shakey’s, were Adamson’s Pau Soriano, Dindin Santiago of National University and Leuseht Dawis of University of the East.   

Also coming off the wraps on Sunday is the football competition, followed by events in softball, athletics, fencing, and baseball.