TIP, National U duel for Shakey’s V-L lead

THE TEAM that scored one of the early upsets tries to pull off another versus the defending champion in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference today.

Technological Institute of the Philippines—which opened its bid by stunning league heavyweight Ateneo—fights for the top spot with National University in Group A action at 4 p.m. at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

“[We’re focusing] on the basics,” said TIP coach Boy Paril. “We have several players who graduated, so we’ll see what other things we can do.”

University of the Philippines, another young team in the field, also goes for a share of the Group B lead versus St. Benilde at 6 p.m.

Although the Lady Engineers got a lift from guest players Mylene Paat and Chie Saet, varsity mainstays Eunice Mabyao and Alyssa Layug also delivered in their surprise win over Ateneo, 26-24,14-25, 25-21, 18-25, 15-12.

Paril said the Lady Engineers are certainly not using their stint as a mere learning experience.

“Our goal is to win each game we play,” Paril said of the Lady Engineers, the lone squad in the 10-team field not playing in the UAAP or NCAA, the country’s top two collegiate leagues.

The Lady Bulldogs, of course, know there’s no reason to take the Lady Engineers lightly.

“We need to work on our consistency, because in the end, this is really what will help us,” said NU standout Jaja Santiago.

The Lady Bulldogs kicked off their title defense with a 25-22, 29-27, 25-21 triumph over San Sebastian behind Santiago’s 27-point outburst.

“Right now we’re not looking for a championship repeat,” said NU deputy Clint Malazo, who’s calling the shots as coach Roger Gorayeb remains on vacation. “We just need to focus and improve every game.” With reports from Miguel de Leon and Philip Martin Matel