THE well-rested Ateneo Lady Eagles are expected to have a big edge when they start their the best-of-three finals’ series with the La Salle Lady Spikers in the 78th University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s finals.
Meanwhile, the National University Bulldogs fight it out with defending champion Ateneo at 12 noon.
Last Wednesday, the Bulldogs to get past a stubborn Adamson University Soaring Falcons, 19-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-23, in their Final Four rubber match
The Lady Eagles will be led in scoring by two-time Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez, who is on her final year.
Jho Maraguinot, who is being groomed to replace Valdez next season, will also be deadly with a pair of solid middle spikers in Amy Ahomiro and Bea De Leon.
Playmaker Jia Morado, who has seen action for two national squads, will also add to the team’s potency.
The Lady Spikers are expected to come out smoking, with graduating Ara Galang, Mika Reyes and Cyd Demecillo, setter Kim Fajardo and libero Dawn Macandili leading the way.
It will be a battle of tactics between Ateneo coach Tai Bundit, known for his expertise in mental and physical conditioning, and La Salle’s Ramil De Jesus, renowned for his strategies and experience.
It has been even between La Salle in the Ateneo in the previous four years, with the Lady Spikers winning Seasons 74 and 75 before the Lady Eagles took charge in Seasons 76 and 77.
“If we win Game One, I believe Game Twom we can win,” said Bundit.
Ateneo and La Salle have split their season series during the elims, with the Lady Spikers winning straight sets, 25-22, 25-14, 25-18, on Feb. 27. The Lady Eagles then avenged that loss in a thrilling five-setter, 21-25, 25-22, 25-16, 21-25, 15-5, on April 10.
On the other hand, de Jesus believes that they are underdog in the series, considering that they have little chance to prepare against Ateneo.
“Pag sa Finals kasi iba na eh. Kung sino ‘yung nakapag-prepare ng husto ang mananalo,” he said.