Ateneo eyes first V-League semis slot vs Adamson

HOPING for another quick demolition job, Ateneo goes for the first semifinal berth against Adamson in the Shakey’s V-League today at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

With Ateneo’s top quartet boosted by its latest recruit Suzanne Roces, a former MVP, the Lady Eagles look capable of forging another straight-set triumph in the 4 p.m. match.

National University and University of St. La Salle-Bacolod, both seeking a first quarterfinal win, tangle in the first game at 2 p.m.

“We don’t really look at set scores, what’s important for us is to win every set,” said Ateneo coach Roger Gorayeb.

The Lady Eagles swept the Lady Stingers, 25-16, 25-22, 25-22, at the start of their quarterfinal campaign last Sunday to stay unbeaten since sweeping the Group A eliminations (4-0).

Alyssa Valdez, Angeline Gervacio, Fille Cainglet and Thai import Phee Nok Kesinee teamed up for the quick victory as the Lady Eagles also unveiled a new guest player in Roces.

The veteran Roces, still feeling her way with her new team, debuted with five points for the Lady Eagles.

“It will all come down to the setter since Suzanne is more familiar with the setter [of her former team],” said Gorayeb.

Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas also sustained its perfect run with a 25-19, 25-16, 24-26, 25-16,victory over Far Eastern University in the quarterfinals on Sunday night.

Maruja Banaticla and Judy Caballejo combined for 40 points to lead the Tigresses, while Maika Ortiz and Thai import Utaiwan Kaensing also stepped up in key stretches.

“The players were somehow motivated after we lost the third set. They had that winning drive in them,” said UST coach Odjie Mamon.
Today’s twinbill will be aired on a delayed basis starting at 7 tonight on AKTV-13. With a report from Rodolfo Lozada