Ateneo, UST shoot for early UAAP lead in women’s volleyball

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo de Manila University and University of Santo Tomas look to continue their winning ways as they face separate opponents Wednesday in the UAAP Season 75 women’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Tigresses clash with the National University and former player Dindin Santiago in the main game at 3:30 p.m. while the Lady Eagles take on University of the East at 2 p.m.

Both Ateneo and UST, seeking a share of the early lead, are coming off five-set thrillers in their opening game assignments.

Ateneo shook off a sub-par third set to repulse Far Eastern University 25-19, 25-22, 6-25, 27-25, 15-9 while UST banked on Judy Caballejo to outlast defending champion De La Salle 25-22, 25-13, 12-25, 21-25, 15-9.

The Lady Eagles, who finished second last season, will continue to rely on Alyssa Valdez and Dzi Gervacio and Fille Cainglet.

Cainglet is expected to bounce back after struggling with just 12 points.

The Lady Warriors dropped their first game in the hands of University of the Philippines 18-25, 15-25, 25-18, 27-25, 6-15 last Sunday.

Santiago, who played for UST during her rookie year before serving a two-year residency to suit up for NU, had a somewhat forgetful debut for her new team.

The Lady Bulldogs lost to Adamson in their first game 15-25, 25-21, 22-25, 25-18, 10-15.