ATENEO’S success will hinge primarily on how Alyssa Valdez and Marck Espejo impose themselves.
Efforts to restrain them should be a prime concern for National University to force both championships to the limit.
Powered by Valdez, the Lady Eagles will be all out to finish off the NU Lady Bulldogs at the resumption of their Shakey’s V-League Season 12–Collegiate Conference title series today.
The Eagles, led by power-hitter Espejo, share the same goal against the Bulldogs in Game 2 of the other best-of-three championship in the Spikers’ Turf at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
But while the Eagles are expecting the Bulldogs to make the necessary adjustments after losing the series opener, the Lady Eagles are aware of the possible consequences that Dindin Santiago-Manabat could bring.
Santiago-Manabat skipped Game 1 and the semifinals after joining the national team in a club tournament in Vietnam.
“She will be a big factor in Game 2. NU is already a strong team without her and will only get stronger with her back into the fold,” said Valdez after the Lady Eagles dumped the Lady Bulldogs, 25-19, 25-13, 25-23, at the start of their titular clash last week.
Santiago-Manabat, a guest player averaging at least 20 hits per game, will reunite with sister Jaja Santiago, Myla Pablo and skipper Jorelle Singh.
NU coach Roger Gorayeb is hoping that Santiago-Manabat could fill the void for them to execute efficient service reception and floor defense.