Shakey’s V-League: Ateneo opens bid
MANILA, Philippines — A week removed from their amazing run in the UAAP, the Ateneo Lady Eagles start their quest for another crown, this time in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference that opens Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Eagles kick off their bid against another UAAP powerhouse in Adamson in the 2 p.m. match shortly after the opening ceremony of the tournament that lured a record 12 teams.
Defending champion National U also gets its campaign going against NCAA titlist Perpetual Help at 4 p.m.
The opening ceremony will mark the start of the new season at 1 p.m. with San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez as guest of honor. Shakey’s officials, headed by EVP and COO Vic Gregorio, and organizing Sports Vision president Ricky Palou and chair Moying Martelino are expected to make the ceremonial serves.
The opening spotlight will be on the Lady Eagles, whose incredible run to the top of the UAAP at the expense of La Salle proved to be one of the biggest upsets in league history.
Adamson, however, has a score to settle against Ateneo, which beat the Lady Falcons in a knockout match in the UAAP.
The Eagles will be bannered by UAAP and Finals MVP Alyssa Valdez. Denden Lazaro is also in the squad as their defensive anchor while Amy Ahomiro, Melissa Morado and Michelle Morente go into the tournament in top form after the grueling series with La Salle.
Adamson will counter with reinforcements Pau Soriano and Pacharee Sangmuang, a Thai standout who played in the league last season.
The Lady Bulldogs, with sisters Jaja and Dindin Santiago leading the charge, are out to atone for their performance in the UAAP where they bowed to the Lady Eagles in the stepladder semifinals.
