La Salle, UST square off

Games today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

9 a.m. — La Salle vs UST (m)

11 a.m. — Ateneo vs Adamson (m)

1 p.m. — Ateneo vs Adamson (w)

5 p.m. — La Salle vs UST (w)

Coming off losses, De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas (UST) attempt to get back on track as they face off in the second round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.

The Lady Spikers and the Golden Tigresses, tied at 5-3, will battle for an edge in the standings when they clash at 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Both teams failed to overcome their Season 86 semifinal rivals last 23 March. La Salle fell to defending champion National University in four sets, while UST also absorbed a four-set defeat against Far Eastern University (FEU).

“We saw improvements (in our passing) from training, and it showed in the game. We will work on that and focus on strengthening ourselves further in training to get the win in the next game,” UST libero-captain Detdet Pepito said following their 22-25, 24-26, 25-17, 24-26 loss to FEU.

UST edged La Salle in the first round, 25-15, 22-25, 13-25, 25-23, 15-13, on 26 February. Led by Angge Poyos, Reg Jurado, rookie Marga Altea, and Season 86 Best Setter Cassie Carballo, the Golden Tigresses aim to replicate or even surpass their previous performance.

Meanwhile, Most Valuable Player (MVP) Angel Canino, alongside Shevana Laput and Amie Provido, must deliver an improved performance to avenge the Lady Spikers’ earlier loss and break their deadlock at 5-3 with UST in the standings.

Earlier in the day, Ateneo de Manila University looks to secure its third straight victory when it faces Adamson University at 1 p.m.

However, the Lady Falcons previously stunned the Blue Eagles with a come-from-behind 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12 win in their first-round encounter. Adamson’s rookie sensation Shaina Nitura led that victory with a stunning 33-point debut, supported by Frances Mordi and Felicity Sagaysay.

On the other hand, Ateneo will rely on team captain Lyann de Guzman, AC Miner, and Yvanna Sulit to bounce back, especially with key players Zel Tsunashima, Jlo Delos Santos and Sobe Buena sidelined due to injuries.

Both teams, currently tied at 3-5, aim to claim solo sixth place in the leaderboard.

“We’ll continue to motivate and encourage the team,” Adamson head coach JP Yude said.

“The second round is tough, but we will take it one game at a time, study each opponent, and give our best. Nothing is impossible.”

In the men’s division, La Salle at 5-3 is determined to secure back-to-back wins as it faces UST at 4-4 in their 9 a.m. match

The Green Spikers will rely on Noel Kampton, Vince Maglinao, and Rui Ventura to outlast the Golden Spikers, who are looking to snap their losing streak.