CEBU, Philippines - The keenly-awaited 'Champion's Tour' pitting the Shakey’s V-League Open champion Philippine Army Lady Troopers against the UAAP title-holder Ateneo Lady Blue Eagles is expected to be a heated one when both sides take on the floor at 2 p.m. today at the University of San Carlos-Main gym.
It may just be an exhibition match, but the two protagonists are out not only to entertain their Cebuano fans, but also to settle an old issue.
“We won during our first meeting in the V-League, but we lost in the second round. They're really a tough team to beat. We’re expecting the same players to play against us tomorrow (today) although we know that they are bringing in some of their rookies. For sure, it will be a lot of fun,” said Cebuana Lady Trooper Genie Sabas.
Considering that their last two games went down the wire, the Lady Troopers and the Lady Eagles are headed for another intense showdown.
The Lady Troopers are here in full force since they are also using their Cebu trip as a time to bond and rest in preparation for the next Shakey’s V-League late this month.
On the other hand, the Lady Eagles will field in a combination of new and old reliable players. Their Thai coach Anusorn Bundit also promised to let Karen Derder, a former Southwestern University mainstay, play today too.
The Lady Eagles are expecting full support from their fellow Atenistas, especially the ones they met at Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu yesterday.
Prior to the Ateneo-Philippine Army duel, a preliminary match between the DJD-FT Spikers and Team Red Line is set at 12:30 p.m. (FREEMAN)