By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
BADLY beaten when they first collided in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81, the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons are looking to do far better when they take on the league-leading Ateneo Lady Eagles on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Swept, 25-21, 25-15 and 28-26, in their last meeting on March 10, the Diliman-based spikers are angling for a rebound win not only to exact some payback but more importantly to give their Final Four push a boost.
UP (5-3) is hoping to be more “mentally prepared” when they meet Ateneo (7-1) in their scheduled 4 p.m. match.
In the first game, the Lady Maroons had a good start before unravelling. The second set weighed heavily as they were out of tune largely. In the third frame they tried to salvage the game but just could not complete it as the Lady Eagles were just unrelenting with their command.
Tots Carlos was the lone UP player in double digits against Ateneo, finishing with 10.
After her was Ayi Gannaban with seven and Isa Molde, Marian Buitre and Maris Layug finishing with six points each.
The Lady Maroons are coming off a big straight-sets win over the defending champions De La Salle Lady Spikers on Sunday.
Meanwhile, out to derail UP’s push is Ateneo, winners of seven straight matches and playing solid under new coach Oliver Almadro.
After being tripped in their tournament opener by La Salle, the Lady Eagles have continuously soared, banking on a total team effort and tremendous grit.
The latter was in full display in their last game against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses on March 20 as they bucked being two sets down in the contest to claim the win in five sets, 19-25, 22-25, 27-25, 25-22 and 15-11.
Veteran Maddie Madayag led the way for the Lady Eagles with 23 points, boosted by a UAAP record of 11 blocks.
Kat Tolentino had 20 points with Bea De Leon and Ponggay Gaston adding 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Setter Deanna Wong had 38 excellent sets to help the Ateneo ascent some more.
Meanwhile in the first game at 2 p.m., the FEU Lady Tamaraws (5-3) meet up with the UE Lady Warriors (2-6).
Both teams are coming off victories in their last matches with FEU beating the Adamson Lady Falcons in five sets on Sunday and UE defeating the National University Lady Bulldogs in four sets on March 20.
The Lady Tamaraws will be missing the services of top rookie Lycha Ebon, who sprained his right knee in their last victory and is set to miss at least a week.