UAAP Season 77 Volleyball action starts on Nov. 22 #UAAP77
October 29, 2014
Games Nov. 22:
(Mall of Asia Arena)
8 a.m. – NU vs AdU (men)
10 a.m. – ADMU vs FEU (men)
2 p.m. – UST vs UE (women)
4 p.m. – ADMU vs NU (women)
ATENEO, now a marked team in the UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball
tournament, opens its quest for a second straight crown against National
University on November 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Eagles, who will have an almost intact roster, and the
Lady Bulldogs collide in a rematch of last season’s stepladder semifinals
at 4 p.m.
University of Santo Tomas and University of the East take the
floor also in women’s cation at 2 p.m. The men’s contest also starts on
November 22 with NU facing Adamson University at 8 a.m. and Ateneo battling
Far Eastern University at 10 a.m.
Action shifts to the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan the next
day, November 23, with De La Salle, which squandered a tremendous
thrice-to-beat Finals advantage against Ateneo to end a three-year reign
last March, begins its campaign for redemption as it tackles Adamson at 4
p.m. FEU and University of the Philippines clash in an equally exciting
encounter at 2 p.m.
The Lady Eagles, who are currently in Thailand for their annual
training, are a tipped to repeat with reigning MVP Alyssa Valdez, Michelle
Morente, Jia Morado, Kim Gequillana, Amy Ahomiro and libero Denden Lazaro
leading the way.
Now known for its “heart strong” mantra from Thai coach Anusorn
“Tai” Bundit, Ateneo got a boost in the middle with the entry of former
Poveda standout Bea de Leon.
The Lady Spikers, on the other hand, are hoping to have a new
charismatic leader after the departure of skipper Abi Maraño, who have
already completed her playing eligibility.
De La Salle is still a force to reckon with as Mika Reyes, Ara
Galang, Cyd Demecillo, Kim Fajardo, Desiree Cheng and Cienne Cruz will
banner the Taft-based team’s campaign.
The Lady Bulldogs, who lost to the Lady Eagles in the semifinals
despite having a twice-to-beat edge, no longer have Dindin Santiago and
Mina Aganon to carry the fight.
But Dindin’s younger sister, 6-foot-4 Jaja Santiago, will be the
main girl for NU, which also has Myla Pablo, Rizza Mandapat, Ivy Perez and
rookie Jorelle Singh, while Aiko Urdas is expected to suit up anytime in
the season after recovering from an ACL injury she sustained in a summer
tournament.
With do-it-all Sheila Pineda, May Macatuno and Mayette Zapanta,
the Lady Falcons are hard-pressed to make a return trip to the Final Four.
The Lady Tamaraws, Tigresses and the Lady Maroons are hoping for a
better effort this season, while the Lady Warriors are hoping to fare well
under new coach Francis Vicente.
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