Ateneo faces Arellano for Shakey’s V-League Group A lead

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo hopes to sustain its fiery form when it seeks the solo Group A lead Sunday even as National U clashes with debuting University of Santo Tomas in the  Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Eagles, who won their first UAAP crown two weeks ago, are favored in the 4 p.m. duel with Arellano, which is riding high on a straight-set conquest of Southwestern U last Thursday.

Rivals in the UAAP, the Lady Bulldogs and the Tigresses square off in a battle of heavyweights in Group B.

National U overpowered Perpetual Help in straight sets in the season opener last week.

But the Tigresses, who have a rich winning tradition in the league, are determined to make an impact in their return with a squad led by skipper Pam Lastimosa, Carmela Tunay, Loren Lantin, Marivic Meneses and Jan Dusaran.

The Lady Bulldogs hardly broke a sweat in hacking out a 25-20, 25-14, 25-15 romp over the Lady Altas with Dindin Santiago and Myla Pablo combining for 22 hits.

The Tigresses also need to neutralize Jaja Santiago, Aiko Urdas, Carmin Aganon and Ivy Perez who combined for 29 points.

The Lady Chiefs opened their campaign on a positive note by trouncing the Lady Cobras, 25-15, 25-17, 25-19.

But they will be up against a confident Ateneo squad that boasts the country’s finest collegiate player in Alyssa Valdez who fired 23 hits in the win over Adamson.