FEU battles UST; Ateneo eyes rebound in Shakey’s v-league

MANILA, Philippines — Standout rookie Bernadette Pons aims for another big game as Far Eastern University targets a share of the Group B lead in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference Sunday.

Pons, who debuted with 21 points, hopes to lead the Lady Tamaraws in their bid for back-to-back wins against University of Santo Tomas at 4 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Ateneo, meanwhile, tries to recover from a shock loss in its 2 p.m. match versus Cebu powerhouse Southwestern University in Group A.

Although FEU hasn’t seen action for more than a week, coach Shaq delos Santos hopes the Lady Tamaraws can put in the same gritty effort they showed in their 25-21, 20-25, 25-11, 25-20 triumph over San Sebastian.

Aside from Pons, the Lady Tamaraws leaned on the combined 26 points of Mary Palma and Toni Basas and setter Yna Papa’s 30 excellent sets in their opening match.

“It was just the first game, but all in all, they played well,” said Delos Santos.

While the Lady Tamaraws vie to join idle National University on top, the Lady Eagles plan to come out more focused as they go for a second win in three outings.

The Lady Eagles, busy with various public appearances since bagging their first UAAP championship last month, offered no excuses for their surprise setback against Arellano, 25-21, 16-25, 25-17, 20-25, 13-15, last week.

The upset reportedly prompted coach Anusorn “Tai” Bundit, who’s still in his home country Thailand, to send the Lady Eagles a message via social media that they played with a “superstar” mentality.

Ateneo aces Alyssa Valdez and Amy Ahomiro banner the Lady Eagles, who will again be mentored by deputy Parley Tupaz.