Ateneo, NU face semifinal rivals in Shakey’s V-League

Ateneo’s Jho Maraguinot tries to break UST’s three-woman block with a spike. TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net

Staying unbeaten will be Ateneo’s mission even as National University figures out a way to lessen the impact of Dindin Santiago-Manabat’s absence as the Final Four of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Collegiate Conference unfolds Saturday.

The Lady Bulldogs still possess a bite, although questions on its potency will rise minus Manabat, an absence that Far Eastern U could exploit in their 3 p.m. duel at the San Juan Arena.

Manabat joined the national team in an Asian club tournament in Vietnam, forcing younger sister Jaja Santiago, Myla Pablo, Aiko Urdas, Joy Doromal, setter Rubie de Leon and team captain Jorelle Singh to fill the gap.

“Dindin will be away for the duration of the semifinals, so we need the other players to step up,” said NU coach Roger Gorayeb.

Manabat had been the source of NU’s strength, compiling 92 points with 71 spikes and asserting her length on the floor.

The top-ranked Lady Eagles, meanwhile, will rely on Alyssa Valdez and her 28-hit average each game against the Tigresses in their 12:45 p.m. meeting.

The Tigresses got a free ride to the semifinals via St. Benilde’s stunning win over Arellano U in the last quarters duel of the league backed by Shakey’s and presented by PLDT Home Ultera.

UST will lean on Ennajie Laure and Marivic Meneses in a bid to stop Ateneo’s unbeaten run.