Lady Eagles faces rival, targets ‘twice to beat’ edge

MANILA – Ateneo Lady Eagles hopes to clinch the remaining “twice to beat” incentive in the Final Four when it battles rival De La Salle University Lady Spikers in UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Lady Eagles-Lady Spikers second round setto is set at 4 p.m. after the match between fellow semifinalists Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and National University Lady Bulldogs at 12 noon.

Lady Spikers are currently on top of the standings with 11-2 win-loss slate and assured of a twice-to-beat advantage. Lady Eagles and Lady Tamaraws are on a deadlock (9-4) while Lady Bulldogs are locked in on fourth place with 7-6.

For Lady Eagles to clinch the incentive, it will have to win over Lady Spikers and hope that Lady Tamaraws loses to Lady Bulldogs. A deadlock between Lady Eagles and Lady Tamaraws will result in a knockout match for the advantage.

Lady Eagles team captain Madeleine Madayag is hoping that they will show up with a renewed energy against Lady Spikers after they suffered a 26-28, 23-25, 24-26 loss to University of the Philippines Lady Maroons last week.

“Against La Salle, It’s gonna be teamwork lang talaga,” said Madayag. “In our game against UP, we did not show that. Also, we committed basic errors but we are hoping na na-resolve na namin iyon sa practices.”

Even if the match has no bearing on their part, Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus said they are not just about to surrender to their archrival as they aim for a playoffs spot.

Basta kami, dumating iyong game, maglalaro,” said De Jesus. “So, kung no bearing or may bearing, basta importante, daanan namin ang second round na sana mas magandang record, win-loss. No loss in the second round.”/PN

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