MANILA, Philippines - An action-packed twinbill, featuring the league’s fancied teams, marks tomorrow’s quarterfinal playdate of the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 First Conference with no less than the Final Four berths up for grabs at The Arena in San Juan.
Ateneo and National U finally get to face off in a marquee match-up in Group 1 of the league’s unbeaten teams with the Lady Eagles eyeing the first semifinal seat and the Lady Bulldogs seeking to move closer to a dream Final 4 stint.
The match, set at 4 p.m., promises nothing but a classic encounter. Both teams boasts of two of the league’s top hitters, Dindin Santiago for NU and Alyssa Valdez for Ateneo and a dependable backup from Myla Pablo, Jaja Santiago, Aiko Urdas, libero Jennylyn Reyes and guest setter Rubie de Leon (NU) and ace guest player Rachel Anne Daquis, Fille Cainglet, Mae Tajima, Marge Tejada, libero Dennise Lazaro and top setter Jem Ferrer.
While Ateneo, the defending back-to-back champion, is tipped to lean on its experience, NU hopes to cash in on its desire for recognition with the Lady Bulldogs chasing what is only its second semis stint after finishing fourth in this conference in 2011.
Focus will also be on the 2 p.m. Group 2 clash between UST and Adamson, two teams out to spoil the projected Ateneo-NU finale. The Lady Falcons, seeking their third championship in the league sponsored by Shakey’s, actually gun for the first semis seat and a sweep of their quarterfinal group behind the combination of Angela Benting, Pau Soriano, Shiela Pineda, Mylene Paat, libero Princess Listana and setter May Macatuno.
But the six-time champion Tigresses (1-0) are going all out to relive their glory on a team built around former star Aiza Maizo, Maika Ortiz, Pam Lastimosa, Carmela Tunay, Loren Lantin, libero Dancel Dusaran and setter Rhea Dimaculangan.
Meanwhile, the Ateneo-Arellano clash last Thursday will be telecast today starting at 1 p.m. on GMA News TV Channel 11, according to the organizing Sports Vision.