Shakey’s V-L: Ateneo, NU dispute title

AFTER splitting their last two games, Ateneo and National University find it hard to predict how today’s do-or-die Game 3 will play out.

But both will be coming out with confidence when the Lady Eagles and the Lady Bulldogs dispute the Shakey’s V-League crown in a fitting winner-take-all match today at 3 p.m. at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

“We just have to be focused,” said Dindin Santiago, NU’s 6-foot-2 star. “We’re no longer feeling nervous.”

The Lady Bulldogs, who spoiled Ateneo’s title sweep bid last week, shoot for their first league championship while the Lady Eagles vie for a record three First Conference crowns.

Adamson and University of Santo Tomas also tangle in a rubber match  for third place at 1 p.m.  Both games will be aired live on GMA News TV Channel 11.

“It’s anybody’s ball game,” said Ateneo ace spiker Alyssa Valdez. “We will give our best, but I also expect NU to give its best.”

The Lady Eagles forged a straight-set victory in Game 1, 25-15, 25-22, 25-23, behind the stellar outing of Thai Jeng Bualee and Rachel Daquis and surprise performer Amy Ahomiro.

But just when Ateneo looked set for a sweep, a pumped up NU squad came out in Game 2 to post a similar three-set win, 26-24, 25-23, 25-22, to level the series at 1-1.