Ateneo goes for sweep

ATENEO, riding high on a convincing victory in the series opener, shoots for a third straight Shakey’s V-League First Conference crown today when it battles National U in Game 2 at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Inspired and confident, the Lady Eagles try to finish off the youthful Lady Bulldogs in their 3 p.m. encounter, which will be aired live for the first time on GMA News TV Channel 11.

Adamson can clinch third place with another win over UST in the 1 p.m. duel. The Lady Falcons hacked out a thrilling 23-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 15-12 decision in Game 1.

A third game, if necessary, is set June 2 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Ateneo took the headstart in the best-of-three title series with a 25-15, 25-22, 25-23 triumph last Thursday. The Lady Eagles flashed championship form in disposing of the Lady Bulldogs in a little over an hour.

On the other end, the Lady Bulldogs looked like they were overwhelmed by the experience of playing their first finals game in the

V-League.

“It’s going to be tough but we just want to finish them off,” said Ateneo coach Roger Gorayeb, who has largely been credited for the revival of the school’s volleyball program.

Gorayeb pulled a rabbit out of the bag when he extensively played Amy Ahomiro, who provided the hurting Alyssa Valdez relief in crucial stretches and doesn’t discount the possibility of tweaking his lineup anew.

“It’s the finals so its important to recognize what works and what doesn’t work,” said Gorayeb.

While Jeng Bualee and Rachel Anne Daquis had their way against the NU defense by combining for 28 hits, league Most Valuable Player Dindin Santiago was held to just five points, all coming in the third set.