Meneses shifts focus

Games today:

(Filoil EcoOil Centre)

9 a.m. — Ateneo vs NU (m)

11 a.m. — Ateneo vs NU (w)

3 p.m. — UP vs FEU (m)

5 p.m. — UP vs FEU (w)

Head coach Sherwin Meneses refuses to be swayed by the “defending champion” tag that precedes National University (NU).

While he acknowledges his team’s lofty billing, Meneses insists what matters now is how to defend the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 88 women’s volleyball crown.

The Lady Bulldogs will try to sustain their momentum in their 11 a.m. clash on Wednesday against Ateneo de Manila University at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

NU is coming off a dominant straight-sets victory over De La Salle University Lady Spikers at the packed Mall of Asia Arena over the weekend and it is determined to keep its winning ways intact.

Despite the convincing win, Meneses remains cautious.

“We always say, ‘one point at a time’ because being a champion is already in the past. Defending the crown is what matters now, and it won’t be easy,” said Meneses in Filipino.

“Every time we score a point, defending the crown becomes easier. That’s our simple goal for now — regardless of the opponent, whether they’re lower or higher in rank.”

Leading the Lady Bulldogs’ charge are Most Valuable Player Bella Belen and star striker Alyssa Solomon, who combined for 27 points in their opening match.

Supporting them are Alex Mata, Vange Alinsug, Erin Pangilinan, Sheena Toring and Minerva Maaya.

Meanwhile, Ateneo is determined to bounce back from a grueling five-set loss to Adamson last weekend.

Skipper Lyann de Guzman, AC Miner, Tak Fujimoto and JLo delos Santos will spearhead their bid for redemption.

At 5 p.m., Far Eastern University (FEU), led by Faida Bakanke, Gerzel Petallo and Jean Asis, aim to secure another victory as they face University of the Philippines, who are brimming with confidence after grinding out a five-set win over the University of the East (UE) during the inaugurals last Saturday.

Emerging rookie Kianne Olango, along with Joan Monares, Irah Jaboneta and Niña Ytang, will anchor the Fighting Maroons’ attack in their quest to secure a second straight win.

In the men’s division, four-time defending champion NU will try to extend its winning streak to eight dating back to last season when they battle Ateneo in the curtain-raiser at 9 a.m.

The Bulldogs made an early statement in their title defense by recording the only sweep in the men’s division’s opening weekend.

Leo Aringo was instrumental, tallying 20 points from 19 attacks and one block, along with 15 excellent receptions.

At 3 p.m., FEU squares off with UP, which boasts a promising foreign recruit in Olayemi Raheem. The Nigerian standout powered the Fighting Maroons to a stunning five-set victory over the Red Warriors last weekend, erupting for 25 points.

The Tamaraws, however, are riding high on confidence after exacting revenge on UST in their season opener.

With key players Lirick Mendoza, Mikko Espartero and Dryx Saavedra leading the charge, the Tamaraws are determined to deny UP its second consecutive win.