UAAP volleyball: Ateneo eyes 11th win; La Salle battles UST

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo and La Salle may be comfortably perched on top, but the two powerhouse squads look to sustain their dominant ways versus separate opponents in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament Wednesday.

On track of a sweep, the Lady Eagles go for win No. 11 against Far Eastern University at 2 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Spikers, though, brace for a tight duel in their bid for a 10th win versus surging University of Santo Tomas at 4 p.m.

La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus said the Lady Spikers, although assured of a Final Four berth, aim to stay within striking distance of the Lady Eagles.

“We’re not practicing just to be second or third,” he said. “We want to be first, that’s what we’re training for.”

But the Tigresses—who incredibly climbed to solo third by stringing up four straight wins after a woeful 1-5 start—have been looking dangerous behind rookie standout EJ Laure and veterans Pam Lastimosa and Carmela Tunay.

“Their excitement is back, [as well as] their enthusiasm to play,” said UST mentor Odjie Mamon.

In juniors basketball, National University overwhelmed Adamson, 72-45, in a playoff match to clinch the No. 2 spot and the twice-to-beat semifinal advantage yesterday at Blue Eagle Gym.

Mark Dyke dropped a huge double-double of 23 points and 26 rebounds to power the defending champion Bullpups.

Philip Manalang added 15 markers and 11 boards to help the Bullpups get off strongly versus the Baby Falcons, who will go up against No. 4 La Salle Zobel at the start of the stepladder semifinals on Thursday.

The winner in the knockout match will advance against the Bullpups for the right to fight No. 1 Ateneo in the championship round.