MANILA, Philippines – Roger Gorayeb, who was at the wheel when the Ateneo Lady Eagles made their ascent in the volleyball scene here, will now be tasked to do the same with the National University Lady Bulldogs.
NU, struggling to live up to its potential with a 2-3 record, hopes to turn its fortunes around with the appointment of Gorayeb, who made a name for himself in coaching in the NCAA while handling San Sebastian, as new head coach.
Gorayeb makes his debut with the Lady Bulldogs, who are bannered by Jaja Santiago, on Wednesday against the slumping University of Santo Tomas Tigresses at 2 p.m. before Adamson tangles with the much-improved University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Falcons, winners of three straight, will continue to lean on Mylene Paat and Amanda Villanueva.
The game promises to be a thriller with the way the Lady Maroons have been performing. UP came close to dealing defending champion Ateneo its first loss after dragging the Lady Eagles to five grueling sets last Sunday.
“UP is playing well this season so we’re really preparing hard for them and we have to be focused,” said Adamson coach Sherwin Meneses.
UST, like NU, is underachieving with a lowly 1-4 card despite parading a solid lineup led by prized rookie EJ Laure and Pam Lastimosa.
Gorayeb, who steered Ateneo to a Finals appearance in 2012 and 2013, replaced Ariel dela Cruz.