THE LADY Eagles and supporters celebrate at the podium. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines — Still on Cloud Nine after its dramatic UAAP conquest, Ateneo has signed up to take on another challenge, this time in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11.
Fresh off an improbable title run that saw them survive one knockout game after another before finally slaying the giant that is La Salle, the Lady Eagles will be the fancied squad when the First Conference opens this Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The core of the squad that won Ateneo’s first volleyball crown will be around to fuel their V-League bid with UAAP season and Finals MVP Alyssa Valdez, Denden Lazaro, Jia Morado, Michelle Morente and Ella de Jesus expected to see action.
The road to the UAAP summit saw Ateneo beat Adamson in a playoff and stun twice-to-beat National University to seal a title showdown with La Salle whom they beat thrice in the finals.
The Lady Eagles, who last won a V- League title two years ago, will seek the crown against a formidable field that includes NCAA champion Perpetual Help and San Sebastian as well as UAAP powerhouse Adamson.
As in the past conferences, each team is allowed to field two guest players, although it can tap one foreign guest player only. Matches will be aired on GMA News TV on a delayed basis.