NATIONAL University shoots for a second straight win against Ateneo at 4 p.m. today in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Jaja Santiago is looking forward for a better effort this time, especially with the Lady Eagles seeking to avoid their first 0-2 start under coach Tai Bundit.
“Marami pa kaming tatrabahuin ni coach Babes, lalo na sa conditioning sa katawan,” said Santiago.
Ateneo pushed Far Eastern University to the limit before dropping 19-25, 25-21, 25-18, 20-25, 9-15 decision last Sunday where it squandered a 6-1 lead.
The most impressive among the squads played in the opening weekend, NU bucked a third set loss to beat Adamson University, 25-15, 25-23, 16-25, 25-13, where the 6-foot-5 Santiago scored 16 markers.
University of Santo Tomas and University of the East, coming off five-set losses in their respective season openers, hope to enter the win column in the curtain raiser at 2 p.m.
Deanna Wong is trying to fill the void left by veteran setter Jia Morado, while the Lady Eagles are with the receiving and first ball problems, which showed against the Lady Tamaraws.
“Although marami sa kanilang nawala pero hindi kami puwedeng magpa-kampante,” said Santiago, who is on her final season with the Lady Bulldogs.
NU was simply glad that its libero Joni Chavez, who took over the spot left by Bia General, held her own in the opener.
“For a starter, she did really well. All she has to do is to pay attention sa kalaban,” said Lady Bulldogs coach Babes Castillo on Chavez.
In the men’s division, titleholder Ateneo tries to rebound from its shock season-opening loss to FEU as it plays NU in a rematch of last year’s Finals at 10 a.m., right after UST and UE take the floor at 8 a.m.