Lady Eagles out to soar anew versus UP v’belles

JUST three days after surviving a five-set scare, Ateneo expects another tight battle in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament today.

The Lady Eagles clash with the overachieving University of the Philippines where a 10th straight win will keep the defending champions on track of an elimination-round sweep.

Game time is 2 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Second-running La Salle aims for a ninth victory versus a National University side hoping to break out of a four-way tie in the other match at 4 p.m.

Although virtually assured of the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, the Lady Eagles have a strong shot at completing a 14-0 sweep and jumping straight to the Finals with a huge thrice-to-beat edge.

But Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez said the team needs to focus more on improving their play, especially after the Lady Eagles’ narrow escape against Adamson, 25-18, 22-25, 25-20, 15-25, 15-11, last Wednesday.

“Coach Tai [Bundit] always tell us it’s not      about the win, it’s about playing our game,” said Valdez.

The leading MVP contender said the Lady Eagles should be wary of the Lady Maroons.

“They work as a team and they have adjusted very well,” Valdez said of the Lady Maroons, who are tied at 4-5 with the Lady Bulldogs and idle Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas.