Games today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

9 a.m. — La Salle vs Ateneo (m)

11 a.m. — UST vs Adamson (m)

1 p.m. — La Salle vs Ateneo (w)

3 p.m. — UST vs Adamson (w)

Ateneo de Manila University aims to extend its winning streak to four games as it takes a long-time rival in De La Salle University in the second round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles are looking to avenge their first-round loss to the Lady Spikers at 1 p.m. La Salle has dominated its head-to-head encounters, winning its last 15 meetings.

However, the Lady Spikers’ lineup remains uncertain with Angel Canino still recovering from a collision with teammate Shevana Laput in their recent victory over University of Santo Tomas (UST).

“Angel’s recovery is going really well. If things keep heading in the right direction, she might be good to go for the game against Ateneo tomorrow. We’ll make the call on game day,” La Salle team doctor Dr. Jo Ann Lorenzo told DAILY TRIBUNE on Tuesday.

Her mother, Sol Canino, also reassured fans through social media on the evening of 29 March that her daughter did not suffer any serious injuries.

If Canino is unavailable, Laput, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido and Mikole Reyes must step up for La Salle.

“We always remind the team that they have to want to win. This is a battle of heart. We can’t step onto the court feeling afraid,” La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo said.

Meanwhile, AC Miner, Lyann de Guzman and Zey Pacia will play key roles for Ateneo as they look to sustain their momentum and snap their losing streak against La Salle.

A win for the Lady Spikers would solidify their hold on second place, while a victory for the Blue Eagles would tie them with University of the Philippines (UP) for fifth and sixth place.

Season 86 finalist UST is determined to bounce back from a heartbreaking five-set loss to La Salle as it faces Adamson University at 3 p.m.

The Golden Tigresses won their first-round clash against the Lady Falcons, 25-21, 20-25, 25-13, 27-25, on 1 March.

Super rookies Angge Poyos and Shaina Nitura headlined that match, but it was Poyos who led UST to victory.

With a 5-4 record, UST is only a game ahead of Ateneo and UP in the battle for the No. 4 spot and will need a win to keep its Final Four hopes alive.

Adamson, now at 3-6 and sitting in seventh place, will look to regroup under Nitura’s leadership.

In the men’s division, Ateneo will attempt to continue its surge as it faces La Salle at 9 a.m.

The Blue Eagles, who missed the Final Four in the last two seasons and finished fifth in both, now hold a 6-3 record.

La Salle, meanwhile, will look to bounce back after a tough loss to UST. Despite Noel Kampton’s 30-point explosion in that match, the Green Spikers dropped to a tie for fourth and fifth place with the Golden Spikers.

At 11 a.m., UST will aim to extend its winning streak when it faces Adamson in another crucial men’s division matchup.