Inspired Lady Bulldogs vow to overcome Valdez, Eagles

Games today

12:45 p.m. – UST vs FEU (best-of-three for third/V-League)

3 p.m. – NCBA vs EAC (best-of-three for third/Spikers’ Turf)

MANILA, Philippines - National U sets out for another crack at the Shakey’s V-League collegiate crown, hopeful of emerging on the winner’s podium after a shutout loss the last time out.

The Lady Bulldogs actually nailed their first V-League plum two seasons ago when they edged the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 3-1, in sudden death, only to be swept by the Far Eastern U Lady Tams in last year’s title playoffs.

But for NU coach Roger Gorayeb, bringing the school back to the finals of the league sponsored by Shakey’s already makes them feel like champions.

“Our target is to make the finals. Now that we’re here, we already feel like champions. Winning it altogether would be a bonus,” said Gorayeb.

But winning it all would entail a lot of hard work, determination and patience, especially against a team as fancied as Ateneo.

Gorayeb, however, said they only have to stymie one player to fuel their championship drive in the event presented by PLDT Home Ultera.

“Ateneo is strong because of Alyssa (Valdez),” said Gorayeb, who also handled Valdez and Ateneo in the past before moving back to NU. “She packs so much power and has matured a lot that she can carry a team to a championship.”

Still, he remains upbeat of their chances and hopes to surprise the Lady Eagles with a superb all-around game when Game One of the best-of-three title series is fired off tomorrow at 12:45 p.m. at The Arena in San Juan.

“If Jaja (Santiago), Myla (Pablo) and Dindin (Manabat-Santiago) play true to form, we’ll always have a chance,” said Gorayeb. “Aiko (Urdas) has also recovered from cramps but she needs to be patient since she’s still far from 100 percent.”

Meanwhile, UST and FEU start their own best-of-three series for third today, also starting at 12:45 p.m. to be aired live on GMA News TV Channel 11, according to the organizing Sports Vision.

The Spikers’ Turf also begins its series for third with NCBA and Emilio Aguinaldo College clashing in their side of the opener starting at 3 p.m. today.