Titanic game: La Salle duels Ateneo anew

ASSURED of the No. 1 spot, La Salle hopes to sustain its roll against the team that pushed the defending champion Lady Archers to the limit.

The Lady Archers go for a 12th straight victory and a repeat over rival Ateneo in a blockbuster battle between the two top seeds in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at 3:30 p.m. today at Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Victory is crucial for the Lady Eagles (9-3), who are vying to distance themselves from third-running Adamson (7-4) and secure the No. 2 berth that comes with a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals.

University of Santo Tomas and National University—both figuring in the tight race to the Final Four with similar 6-5 records—clash in the other game at 2 p.m.

In their first meeting last month, the Lady Archers remarkably rose from two sets down to snap the Lady Eagles’ unbeaten six-game run, 26-28, 21-25, 25-13, 25-21, 15-13.

Expected to star anew for the Lady Archers are reigning MVP Abigail Maraño, Michelle Gumabao and sophomore standouts Ara Galang, Mika Reyes and Kim Fajardo.

“It’s important for us to win,” said Ateneo coach Roger Gorayeb.

Boosting the Lady Eagles’ confidence is in-form ace spiker Fille Cainglet, who injured her ankle during their setback against the Lady Archers. Jasmine W. Payo