Ateneo, NU open Shakey’s Final 4 bids

ELIMINATION-ROUND leaders Ateneo and National University expect foes to step up as the quarterfinal round gets going today in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Collegiate Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Eagles, the only unbeaten squad in the 12-team field, hope to extend their streak versus University of the Philippines at 3 p.m., while the Lady Bulldogs tackle De La Salle-Dasmariñas at 12:45 p.m.

“There are still a lot of areas we have to improve on,” said Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez.

The quarterfinalists carry over their elimination record, but only against the teams that also advanced. Now merged into one group, the top four teams will advance to the Final Four.

Consistently coming out to backstop Valdez, who leads the team in scoring with 75 total points, are Jhoanna Maraguinot, Bea De Leon, Kim Gequillana and Gizelle Tan.

Powered by Santiago sisters Dindin and Jaja, the Lady Bulldogs hope to build on last week’s imposing win where they dealt Far Eastern University its first loss, 25-23, 26-24, 25-19, to snatch the No. 1 seed in Group A.