NU, Ateneo spikers dispute second berth

MANILA, Philippines - National University and Ateneo clash anew today – this time at the Smart Araneta Coliseum – in a sudden death for the right to face unbeaten defending champion De La Salle in the women’s volleyball finals of UAAP Season 76.

The Lady Bulldogs lost their twice-to-beat advantage over the Lady Eagles when they dropped a 17-25, 25-12, 29-31, 26-28 setback last Wednesday. The No. 2 seed NU tries again to frustrate Ateneo’s bid to advance to the finals for a third-straight season opposite its archrival in the match at 4 p.m.

NU also crosses path with Ateneo in the men’s contest as the Bulldogs start defense of their crown against the finals first-timers Blue Eagles at 2 p.m.

Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro will be battling the team he handled two seasons ago when the Bustillos-based school started to strengthen its volleyball program.

The winner of the NU-Ateneo sudden death women’s match will face a thrice-to-beat De La Salle side in the women’s Finals starting next Wednesday, also at the Big Dome.
Head coach Edjet Mabayyad will be trying to steer the Lady Bulldogs to their first championship appearance in the Final Four era. But his main concern is for his other hitters to step up after only towering sisters Dindin and Jaja Santiago delivered at the net the last time out.