La Salle begins 4-peat bid vs Adamson

By Josiah Albelda Posted Nov 30th 2013

Three-time reigning champion De La Salle University opens its bid for a fourth straight title when the vaunted Lady Spikers battle Adamson University in the 76th UAAP women's volleyball tournament Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. Game time is scheduled at 4 p.m.

With its core almost intact and the favorite tag plastered on them, La Salle takes on a Lady Falcons crew reeling from the graduation of long-time stalwart Pau Soriano.

The Lady Spikers have mowed through the opposition in the last three seasons, riding on lethal offense and their rock-solid blocking to bring their championship collection to seven in the last 10 years.

Season 75 Most Valuable Players Abi Marano and Ara Galang will be at the forefront of La Salle's attack, with veterans Mika Reyes and Mika Esperanza providing support.

Coach Ramil de Jesus also has the luxury of flashing rookies in high school superstar Desiree Cheng and former UAAP juniors MVP Kim Dy.

Don't expect Adamson, though, to roll over and die, as the wards of coach Sherwin Meneses have shown their still-effective floor defense throughout the preseason.

Bang Pineda and Mayette Zapanta assume leadership duties in their final seasons for the Lady Falcons while freshman Mylene Paat, who suited up for Adamson in the Shakey's V-League, will also play a key role.

The game will air live over Studio 23, BALLS SkyCable HD 167 and uaapsports.tv with a same day replay at 11 p.m. on BALLS SkyCable channel 34/ Destiny Cable channel 36.