La Salle, Ateneo lady spikers begin finals duel

MANILA, Philippines — Out of action for over two weeks, La Salle sets out to flash its superior form against a surging Ateneo squad at the start of the UAAP women’s volleyball championship war Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The unbeaten Lady Spikers, though, expect to face a different Ateneo squad in the 4 p.m. match of the virtual best-of-five title series where La Salle holds a 1-0 lead.

“We have to surpass the kind of play Ateneo is showing now to win the championship,” coach Ramil de Jesus said of his Lady Spikers, who are vying for a fourth straight crown. In men’s play, defending champion National University shoots for a sweep of Ateneo in Game 2 of their best-of-three duel at 2 p.m.

While the unbeaten Lady Spikers jumped straight to the finals, the No. 3 Lady Eagles tenaciously survived three straight knockout games in the stepladder semifinals to reach the title round.

“It’s a different Ateneo team,” said De Jesus. “Compared to the eliminations, they look very inspired and motivated after those do-or-die games.”

Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez, though, thinks the Lady Spikers still have everything going for them despite a 17-day layoff.

La Salle amazingly swept all 14 games in the eliminations to earn an outright title berth and a thrice-to-beat advantage as incentives.

“La Salle has all the advantages,” said Valdez, the league’s leading scorer.

“The height, skills and experience are there. They also play with composure.”

La Salle, which dropped just a couple of sets this season, boast a powerhouse cast led by Abigail Maraño, Ara Galang and Mika Reyes.

But Valdez, who has been drawing support from Ella de Jesus and Amy Ahomiro, thinks they can replicate their incredible showing in the semifinals where they overcame the twice-to-beat advantage of the Lady Bulldogs.

“Like our game against NU, we have to be patient since every point counts,” said Valdez.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, aim for another quick finish after drubbing the Blue Eagles, 29-27, 25-22, 25-22, in Game 1 last Wednesday.