FEU eyes lead vs. Ateneo

By Anthony Divinagracia Posted Dec 7th 2013

Darkhorse Far Eastern University (FEU) guns for an early share of the lead today as it collides with a rebuilding Ateneo de Manila University in the 76^th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the San Juan Arena.

The Lady Tamaraws, also in upgrade status, cross paths with the Season 75 finalist Lady Eagles in the 4 p.m. main game.

FEU hopes to feed on the momentum of its 25-14, 25-15, 25-11 debut over University of the East (UE) last Wednesday with another victory that would propel the Lady Tamaraws at 2-0.

Ateneo for its part seeks to barge into the win column after yielding a 17-25, 22-25, 17-25 contest to National University (NU) last Sunday.

Rookies Bernadette Pons and Geneveve Casugod showed flashes of brilliance for the Lady Tamaraws, nailing ten and nine attack points, respectively against UE to offset the so-so performances of veterans Toni Basas and Mayjorie Roxas.

Samantha Dawson and Remy Palma had seven markers apiece.

With its “Fab Five” already gone, the Lady Eagles heavily relied on third-year scorer Alyssa Valdez on the offensive end.

Valdez delivered as expected, finishing with 16 points on 13 hits, two aces, and a block. But Valdez’s supporting cast proved non-existent against the well-defending and power-hitting NU ladies.

Except Valdez, no other Lady Eagle scored in double figures with third-year Amy Ahomiro adding just eight points. Rookies Michelle Morente and Ana Gopico combined for ten markers.

The game will air live over Studio 23, BALLS SkyCable HD 167 and uaapsports.tv with a same day replay tonight at 8 p.m. on BALLS SkyCable channel 34/ Destiny Cable channel 36.