THE LADY Eagles and supporters celebrate at the podium. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines — UAAP champion Ateneo hopes to come out strong after a two-week break as it tangles with St. Benilde Sunday in the Shakey’s V-League First Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
A victory by the Lady Eagles in the 4 p.m. clash will give Ateneo a spot in the quarterfinals, joining early qualifier Arellano and Adamson in Group A.
Coming off a straight-set win over Southwestern U last April 6, the Lady Eagles will again rely on standout Alyssa Valdez and the rapidly improving Amy Ahomiro.
Davao finally makes its V-League debut against Far Eastern U in the 2 p.m. match.
The Lady Tamaraws can claim the inside track in the race for the remaining quarterfinal slot with a win against the Agilas.
National U has already clinched the first quarterfinal berth in Group B with University of Santo Tomas, FEU, San Sebastian in the running for the remaining spots to the next round.
With Bernadette Pons on the firing end, the Lady Tamaraws pulled off a four-set win over the Perpetual Help Lady Altas last Sunday.
Pons, who fired 20 points against Perpetual, will again join forces with Mary Joy Palma in leading the Lady Tamaraws.
The match actually kicks off a tough grind for the Agilas, who will play in five straight playdates to end the elimination round.
The Agilas will also play Perpetual Help on Tuesday, the Lady Bulldogs on April 23 and against the UST Tigresses on April 27.
They wind up the single round eliminations against San Sebastian on April 29.