MANILA, Philippines– Ateneo hopes things stay perfect as it guns for a 12th straight victory versus a University of Santo Tomas side fighting for a crucial win in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The unbeaten Lady Eagles and the Tigresses collide at 4 p.m., right after La Salle shoots for an 11th triumph against winless University of the East at 2 p.m.
“We have to meet halfway so that we’ll have good results every game,” Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez said of the defending champion’s successful partnership with Thai coach Tai Bundit.
UST and idle National U, tied at the third spot with 5-6 records, lead five teams that are contesting the last two semifinal berths.
Ateneo and La Salle already put a lock on the top two spots and the Lady Eagles could jump straight to the finals if they complete a 14-0 sweep of the eliminations.
In the sweep scenario, the next three teams will clash in a stepladder semifinals with La Salle holding a twice-to-beat advantage.
The Tigresses aim to rebound after the Lady Spikers snapped their four-game winning run, 25-21, 25-9, 25-18, last week.
UST coach Odjie Mamon hopes the Tigresses come out more aggressive after posting only 25 points off attacks against La Salle.
Mamon said the Tigresses, powered by Pam Lastimosa, Carmela Tunay and EJ Laure, are far from assured of gaining the Final Four.
“Hopefully, we can get two wins out of [our last] three games,” said Mamon.