Ateneo, NU kick off Shakey’s title tiff

NATIONAL University may be the easy favorite a few weeks back, but it’s a tough call now that Ateneo has hit its stride even minus its star.

“I’m happy that we’re back here, but hopefully we’ll be consistent,” said NU deputy Edjet Mabbayad as the Lady Bulldogs try to step up its drive for a second straight crown.

The Lady Bulldogs take on a Lady Eagles side that exceeded expectations as the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference championship gets going tonight.

“Our number one mission is to move on without Alyssa (Valdez),” Ateneo assistant mentor Sherwin Meneses said, referring to the three-time UAAP MVP.

Game 1 of the best-of-three series is at 6 p.m., at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Ateneo’s male counterparts also try to stay on a roll as the Blue Eagles target a second straight championship in the Spikers’ Turf Season 2 Collegiate Conference.

Behind top MVP candidate Marck Espejo, the Eagles look to sweep the Bulldogs in Game 2 at 12 noon.

A pair of battles for third place precedes the title matches with La Salle and University of Santo Tomas clashing in men’s action at 10 a.m. and University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University tangling in the distaff side at 4 p.m.

The Lady Eagles had to go through a playoff duel to clinch the last semifinal berth.

“It’s all about playing with heart,” said Ateneo skipper Michelle Morente.

Jaja Santiago, trying to shake off fatigue from shuttling between her school and club teams, spearheads National U’s bid. Jasmine W. Payo