La Salle keeps guard up, battles winless Ateneo

Games today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

9 a.m. — La Salle vs Ateneo (m)

11 a.m. — FEU vs Adamson (m)

1 p.m. — La Salle vs Ateneo (w)

3 p.m. — FEU vs Adamson (w)

De La Salle University is out to preserve its unbeaten record against a listless but very hungry Ateneo de Manila University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Undefeated in three starts without dropping a single set, the Lady Spikers are once again favored in the rivalry match firing off at 1 p.m. after having the Blue Eagles’ number in the past nine years.

Meanwhile, Adamson University shoots for its first back-to-back wins of the season in a 3 p.m. clash with rebound-seeking Far Eastern University (FEU).

Still, all eyes are focused on the traditional Ateneo-La Salle rivalry, which, unfortunately, has been a one-sided affair since the Season 79 finals.

Skipper Shevana Laput’s health status remains uncertain after falling ill and skipping the Lady Spikers’ 25-12, 25-15, 25-19, humiliation of University of the Philippines last Wednesday.

But La Salle still has the depth and firepower advantage even without Laput, who’s averaging 22.0 points per game, with Angel Canino, Amie Provido, Shane Reterta and rookie Mikee Santos filling in the points while freshman setter Eshana Nunag taking care of the team’s fluid offensive flow.

The Taft-based squad has won 15 straight games against its Katipunan rival.

Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus, however, warns his wards against complacency, as Ateneo remains dangerous despite its winless record.

“You must be prepared against any team. Yes, Ateneo has 0 win but you can see in their body language that they remain focused and determined regardless of their situation,” De Jesus said.

“They’ve shown that they can be a problem even against strong opponents. They’ve kept the game close and even won sets. So, you cannot take Ateneo lightly.”

The Blue Eagles have seen no luck so far in three outings, falling victim to Adamson, University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas.

Meanwhile, the Lady Falcons carry a 2-11 win-loss record while the Lady Tamaraws hold a 1-2 mark.