By John Bryan Ulanday
PACE-SETTERS National University (NU) and University of the Philippines (UP) aim to protect the lead while reigning champion Ateneo shoots for a maiden victory against different counterparts in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Bulldogs (3-0) are determined to extend unbeaten run against winless University of the East (UE) (0-3) in the opener at 10 a.m. before the Fighting Maroons’ bid for a same goal to maintain share of lead against the spirited Adamson (1-2) squad that shocked Ateneo the other day.
In between those games is Ateneo’s mission for a breakthrough triumph against Far Eastern University (FEU) (1-2) at 12 p.m. to avoid a deeper fall in the standings after being blanked in the first three matches.
Vengeful squads La Salle (2-1) and Santo Tomas (2-1) cap off the hectic four-game bill at 4 p.m. for a quick rebound after bowing to leaders NU and UP, respectively.
Of all teams though, unblemished National University is looking the most formidable so far after flaunting statement victories against Adamson, Ateneo and La Salle.
But coach Karl Dimaculangan is not lowering his guard even against the Lady Warriors who have yet to make it to the winner’s circle.
The dark horse UP, which also stunned contender UST for an impressive 3-0 start, likewise brace for a tough campaign from here on starting against Adamson.
“Every team is working towards winning as many games as they can to qualify for the playoffs so our intention up to now is to try and win all the games if possible. We don’t want to leave things to chance,” said UP mentor Godfrey Okumu.