Ateneo, La Salle dispute UAAP volley lead

VOLLEYBALL’S glamour girls face off in a crucial match for the first time since their epic championship series last year in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.

The only unbeaten teams, rivals Ateneo and La Salle battle for a 7-0 sweep of the first round and the solo No. 1 spot in an expected blockbuster showdown at 4 p.m. today at Mall of Asia Arena.

“We have to improve on a lot of things,” said Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez. “We need to be consistent.”

The Lady Eagles tied the Lady Spikers at 6-0 yesterday by overwhelming winless University of the East, 25-7, 25-17, 25-8, on the penultimate day of the first round of eliminations at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Valdez came out unforgiving and fired 23 points, including 19 kills, while Amy Ahomiro and Michelle Morente delivered 10 points each.

Odds remain even between the two league favorites, a year after the defending champion Lady Eagles pulled off the improbable when they dethroned the powerhouse Lady Spikers by overcoming their thrice-to-beat advantage in the Finals.

National U and Adamson, tied at 3-3, face off in the other women’s match at

2 p.m. today.

In men’s action, defending champion NU also goes for a 7-0 sweep versus Ateneo at 10 a.m., while Adamson and FEU clash in the first game at 8 a.m.