MANILA, Philippines - Four-peat-seeking La Salle and fancied National U mix it up today in an explosive clash of heavyweights in the 76th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Spikers and the Lady Bulldogs, who have blitzed past their first two opponents, dispute the solo lead in the 4 p.m. game considered by some as a preview of prospective finals protagonists. Far Eastern University (1-1) and University of the Philippines (0-2) usher in action at 2 p.m.
La Salle showed its might in a 25-8, 27-25, 25-13 mangling of Santo Tomas last Sunday, hiking its winning streak to 18 games dating back to Season 75.
“It’s really team play,†said DLSU coach Ramil de Jesus, who will bank on Ara Galang, Abi Maraño, Mika Reyes, Cyd Demecillo and playmaker Kim Fajardo.
NU parades the most lethal frontline combo in sisters Dindin (6-foot-1) and Jaja Santiago (6-foot-4), who will team up with Myla Pablo, Aiko Urdas and setter Ivy Perez in trying to stop La Salle’s run.
“We need to improve our reception and service,†said coach Edjet Mabayyad . “If we can receive well, our offense will flow. We also had to bring down our service errors.â€