Ateneo taking La Salle seriously in women’s volley

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion Ateneo takes a crack at new-look La Salle in an early clash among the fierce rivals in the first week of the 82nd UAAP volleyball tournament at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

Action kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with the Lady Eagles looking to spoil the revamped Lady Spikers’ debut and assume early control of the UAAP pack seen as the most balanced in years.

Ateneo, meanwhile, tries to bounce back against La Salle in the men’s match at 2 p.m while the UP and UE men’s and women’s squads see action at 9 a.m and 10:30 a.m., respectively.

With veteran hitter Kat Tolentino and super rookie Faith Nisperos taking turns in leading the attack, the Lady Eagles hurdled their first assignment against UP in convincing fashion, 25-13, 25-17, 25-23.

But while that could serve as a huge confidence-booster for Ateneo, coach Oliver Almadro believes that his wards are bound to have their mettle tested by the dangerous La Salle side.

“One game will not determine our character,” said Almadro, wary that their arch-rivals are hungrier than ever after a forgettable campaign last year.

“Going up against the Lady Spikers is inevitable. So, whether it’s earlier or later in the tournament, it will still happen. We know they’re still one of the best teams in the UAAP.”

Mentored by multi-titled Ramil de Jesus, La Salle is not to be counted out this season as it seeks to reclaim lost glory despite a rookie-laden squad.

Save for holdovers Aduke Ogunsanya, Michelle Cobb, Tin Tiamzon, CJ Saga and Jolina dela Cruz, the Lady Spikers will parade a roster that includes eight rookies, led by highly-touted middle blocker Thea Gagate, opposite hitter Leila Cruz and libero Justine Jazareno.

This young and energetic Lady Spikers roster makes them scarier this season, Almadro warned, contrary to observations that the Taft-based squad is no longer a threat in the UAAP.

 “I don’t know why people are saying that there’s a lot of new players in La Salle. Yes, they have a bunch of rookies, but they’re blue chip recruits. They’re new but they’re expected to deliver. They were recruited for a reason so you will not count them out,” he said.

The Lady Spikers, former three-peat UAAP champions, are eyeing sweet revenge this season after being booted out by Season 81 finalist Santo Tomas in the semifinals.