UAAP, NCAA titlists clash in Spikers’ Turf

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo and National U shoot for their fifth straight wins and spots in the semifinals as they take on separate rivals today even as La Salle and National College of Business and Arts try to bolster their own semis drive in the Spikers’ Turf Season 1-Collegiate Conference at The Arena in San Juan today.

But focus will be on the Ateneo-Emilio Aguinaldo College clash at 1 p.m., a duel of collegiate champions tipped to go down to the last hit. Although the Eagles are lording it over the field with the Bulldogs with a 4-0 mark, the Generals are expected to match up well with the UAAP champions.

For one, the Generals are raring to get back on track after absorbing a stinging five-set loss to the St. Benilde Blazers last Monday that sent the reigning NCAA titlists reeling to their second loss against the same number of wins.

“EAC is not the NCAA champion for nothing. We have to find ways to slow down (Howard) Mojica,” said Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro.

Dropping to No. 4, EAC needs to start winning again as NCBA lurks behind at 1-2 and UP and St. Benilde remain on the hunt despite their identical 1-3 marks.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, face a resurgent Blazers side at 5 p.m. with the latter hoping to sustain their win over the Generals and wheel back into contention for one of the last two spots in the semis of the league presented by PLDT Home Ultera.

The 3 p.m. match between La Salle and NCBA is also expected to be a toss-up with the Archers, toting a 2-1 card, out to firm up their hold of the third spot and the Wildcats seeking to stay in the semis race.

But it will still be the Ateneo-EAC duel that is expected to draw interest from volley fans with Marck Espejo and Mojica clashing in a showdown of two of the league’s power hitters.

Meanwhile, the NU-UP clash last Monday will be shown toda starting at 3:30 p.m. on PTV 4. Games are aired on a delayed basis from Monday to Friday while Saturday telecast begins at 9:15 p.m.