Ateneo eager to face early leader UP

FILE – Ateneo Lady Eagles. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Even before the season rolled off, Ateneo already had University of the Philippines on its target.

The Lady Eagles finally get a crack at the Lady Maroons, who have emerged as the early leaders in the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament, on Sunday.

“Coach (Tai Bundit) and I talked about it and before the season even began, we already had our eyes on UP because they are the contenders,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino Wednesday after their three-set win over winless University of the East.

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Meneses thinks he Maroons’ intact roster and busy offseason that saw the Lady Maroons participate in the V-League have done wonders for them.

“The good thing about UP is that they really worked during the offseason. They’re really a solid team and that has been their advantage this season.”

Returning spiker Michelle Morente has also noticed UP’s improvements this season.

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“They’re more aggressive and quicker and their blocking and defense have been so good,” said Morente, who led Ateneo in scoring with 13 points.

Morente added the team is looking forward to facing the Lady Maroons, who have only dropped one set so far.

“Obviously, UP is a very good team. They’re undefeated as of now so of course, I think each one of us is eager to play against them.”

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The much-awaited showdown also serves as a gauge as to how far Ateneo has come with the first round coming to a close.

“Of course. But I think every game is a test for us. Hopefully, we’ll win and we’ll be able to work on our weaknesses. We still get rattled inside the court so we just have to improve on that,” Morente said.

Like UP, Ateneo has also been on a hot streak having won three straight games since dropping its second game of the season at the hands of National University.