The fabled “Battle of Katipunan” takes the spotlight anew but not in basketball, but in women’s volleyball as the showdown between University of the Philippines (UP) and Ateneo highlight the start of the second-round hostilities of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 87 Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The rematch between the Fighting Maroons and the Blue Eagles is set for 4 p.m.
Ateneo secured a thrilling reverse sweep against UP in their first-round encounter last 28 February, and head coach Sergio Veloso is determined to replicate that success.
“We’ll play against UP on Saturday, and we’ll try to execute the same plan as last time,” Veloso told the DAILY TRIBUNE.
Ateneo will be forced to make key adjustments with AC Miner and Zey Pacia stepping out of their natural positions due to the absence of Sofia Buena, Geezel May Tsunashima and Jlo delos Santos.
“We are adjusting our team’s receiving system without them, and we need more support for Pacia and Miner,” Veloso said.
For UP, third-year spiker Irah Jaboneta will be a key player, especially after her standout performance against Adamson’s super rookie Shaina Nitura in their last game.
Additional contributions from Joan Monares and Kianne Olango will be crucial as the Fighting Maroons attempt to avenge their first-round loss to the Blue Eagles.
The Fighting Maroons currently hold a 3-4 record, just one game behind the No. 4 spot, while Ateneo is looking to improve its 2-5 slate.
Meanwhile, Adamson and University of the East (UE) will open the day’s hostilities at 2 p.m.
The Lady Falcons dominated UE in their first-round meeting with a commanding straight-sets victory on 26 February.
Rookie captain Shaina Nitura and veteran opposite hitter Mayang Nuique spearheaded Adamson’s attack, keeping the Lady Warriors at bay.
Nitura’s leadership and scoring prowess will again be instrumental if Adamson hopes to secure another victory.
UE, still searching for its first win after seven matches, will need strong performances from mainstay wingers Van Bangayan and Khy Cepeda, along with solid defensive play from libero Angelica Reyes, to stand a chance against Adamson.
Both teams are coming off losses in their final first-round matches and will be eager to start the second round on a winning note.
Adamson stands at 2-5, while UE remains winless at 0-7.
The men’s tournament action kicks off at 10 a.m. with Adamson facing UE. The Falcons at 1-6 and the Red Warriors at 0-7 will both be desperate to break their losing streaks.
At 12 noon, UP and Ateneo will battle in another chapter of their historic rivalry.
UP will rely on the dynamic duo of Nigerian spiker Raheem Olayemi and rookie Tommy Castrodes to turn the tide and secure a much-needed victory.
Meanwhile, Ateneo looks to maintain its upperhand in the standings.
The Fighting Maroons are in sixth place with a 2-5 record, while the Blue Eagles hold a 4-3 slate.
