National University hopes for a quick turnaround with new coach Roger Gorayeb in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament today at Mall of Asia Arena.
Barely having time to prepare, the multititled Gorayeb still hopes to steer the Lady Bulldogs to victory versus the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses at 2 p.m.
Gorayeb, the former Ateneo coach who also mentored San Sebastian to numerous NCAA crowns, replaced Ariel dela Cruz, who was sacked just last Monday.
Adamson, running third at 3-2 behind unbeaten teams La Salle (6-0) and Ateneo (5-0), tangles with University of the Philippines in the other game at 4 p.m.
Although reeling from the graduation of star spiker Dindin Santiago, the Lady Bulldogs still should have looked better than their 2-5 card with Santiago’s equally tall sister, Jaja, and the veteran Myla Pablo at the helm.
Gorayeb hopes to bring his winning formula to NU two years after leading Ateneo to runner-up finishes in 2012 and 2013.
The Lady Falcons, meanwhile, remains wary of the Lady Maroons, who surprisingly dragged the defending champion Lady Eagles to a five-setter last Sunday.
“UP had good performances, that’s why we have to be prepared,” said Adamson coach Sherwin Meneses.
In juniors basketball, Ateneo hopes to extend its winning streak to eight versus Adamson at 3 p.m. at Blue Eagle Gym.
The Blue Eaglets capped their first-round sweep with a 66-64 upset win over defending champion NU.
The Bullpups, running second at 6-1, aim to rebound against the UST Tiger Cubs in the second of a four-game bill at 11 a.m.
Far Eastern University and University of the East battle at 9 a.m., while La Salle Zobel and UP square off at 1 p.m.