Ateneo, UST clash in explosive opener

Games today

1 p.m. – Opening Ceremony

2 p.m. – Ateneo vs UST

4 p.m. – Arellano vs National U

MANILA, Philippines - Three-peat seeking Ateneo and six-time champion University of Santo Tomas collide in an early clash of the fancied teams marking the opener of the Season 10 of the Shakey’s V-League First Conference today at The Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Eagles will be coming into the event with an intact roster beefed up by two of the league’s former stars in Rachel Anne Daquis and Leal Patnongon, while former MVP Aiza Maizo and Rhea Dimaculangan return to lead the Tigresses’ title campaign in the country’s premier women’s volleyball tournament.

Gametime is at 2 p.m. after elaborate 1 p.m. opening rites to be graced by IOC representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde and San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez.

National University, which tapped the services of top high school standout Jaja Santiago and former San Sebastian ace Rubie de Leon, and a souped-up newcomer Arellano University square off in the other match at 4 p.m., ensuring an explosive twin-bill which also serves as a fitting opener to the league celebrating its milestone 10th season.

“We were thinking of giving the fans something to look forward to as we celebrate our 10th season,” said Moying Martelino, chair of the organizing Sports Vision. “We feel that our opening day games will set the tone for this year’s title chase – tight, fierce and down-to-the-wire.”

Ten teams were divided into two groups. The top four from each side will advance to the quarters after the single-round elims, making each game crucial.

The Last 8 will again be grouped into two and play a single round with the top two teams in each group clashing in a pair of crossover semis. Winners will then clash for the crown in another best-of-three affair.

Making up Group A are Ateneo, UST, San Sebastian, Letran and La Salle-Dasmariñas while Perpetual, National U, Adamson, Arellano and USC make up Group B.