Ateneo, NU favored vs foes

MANILA, Philippines —  Fancied teams Ateneo and National University face separate foes in Pool C of the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Preseason Championship today at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Ateneo returns to action after a two-week break following its opening-day win, taking on Jose Rizal University at 3 p.m. in the tournament airing live via Plus Network on Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

Ateneo, behind the inspired games from Makana Kowalski and veteran Vanie Gandler, stormed past Arellano University, 25-14, 30-28, 25-17, last Oct. 1.

Although Ateneo is favored to come up on top against the Lady Bombers who are winless in two games, coach Oliver Almadro doesn’t want his wards to be complacent.

“We can’t take any team lightly. Just like in our last game against Arellano, we can’t let our guards down,” said Almadro, whose squad will next face reigning UAAP champion NU.

The Lady Bulldogs will try to hurdle the Lady Chiefs in their 5:30 p.m. match and, like the Lady Eagles, secure a seat in the second round.

Rookies Vangie Alinsug, Renee Mabilanga and Minierva Maaya starred in NU’s 25-14, 25-6, 25-12 drubbing of JRU last week.

Arellano U is coming off a two-week rest following a straight sets win over the Lady Bombers for a 1-1 slate.

Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help eyes the first ticket to the next round in Pool A in its 12:30 p.m. encounter against Mapua University.

The Lady Altas carry a 2-1 record behind unbeaten University of the Philippines (2-0).

The top two teams after the group stage will be bracketed into two pools where they will play another round robin matches to determine their positions in the knockout quarterfinals.

Eliminated San Sebastian College hopes to end its campaign on a winning note after dropping its first three games in the 10 a.m. clash against Emilio Aguinaldo College (0-1) in Pool B.

Next-day broadcasts of games are available on IBC 13 every Sunday from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Solar Entertainment will also carry next-day airings every Sunday and Monday starting 8:00 p.m.