Shakey’s V-League: Ateneo tests Davao’s mettle today

Group A topnotcher Ateneo hopes it doesn’t join the list of Davao’s big-time victims when the quarterfinal round gets going in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference today.

Bannered by one of the sport’s best in Alyssa Valdez, the Lady Eagles hope to bring their intimidating form on the floor versus the upset-conscious Agilas in Group 1 action of the Last Eight at 2 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Defending champion National University, one of the powerhouse squads the Agilas brought down, takes on Arellano in the Group 2 battle at 4 p.m.

Divided into two groups, the quarterfinalists will clash in a single round robin with the top two advancing to the Final Four.

Teams brace for a tight round, though, as six of the eight quarterfinalists finished with similar 4-1 records.

The Lady Eagles, the reigning UAAP women’s volleyball champion, topped Group A in the eliminations, but only after edging Arellano and Adamson in the tiebreak.

Idle University of Santo Tomas also led Group B after winning the tiebreak over NU and Davao.

The Agilas emerged as this season’s surprise performer after stunning UAAP teams NU and Far Eastern University and NCAA favorites San Sebastian and Perpetual Help.

Davao coach Shane Alagao said the rookie squad’s winning results came as a surprise as the Agilas have been focused mainly on honing their skills.

“[The league] really helps improve the performance of the players from our region,” said Alagao.

The Agilas, the only provincial squad to advance to the playoffs, are expected to bank anew on the explosive trio of May Agton, Venus Flores and Jocemer Tapic.

Aside from dealing with Valdez, the Agilas will also contend with Amy Ahomiro, Denden Lazaro and Michelle Morente.