An age-old rivalry game between the DLSU Lady Spikers and the Ateneo Blue Eagles highlights this week’s UAAP Season 87 volleyball games.
The latest offering of the classic La Salle-Ateneo rivalry will kick start the week for UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball action, as teams jockey for position with only a few weeks left in eliminations and the Final Four within reach for seven teams.
With only the UE Lady Warriors out of contention with their 0-10 record, all other teams will be looking to topple those in front of them in the hopes of nabbing a spot in the Final Four that has seen a pretty tight race so far.
All eight teams are expected to go through their 11th game of the season by the weekend.
Let’s take a look at the schedule for this week.
Wednesday, April 2 (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
La Salle vs Ateneo - 1pm
The DLSU Lady Spikers (6-3) are coming off of an inspired victory over the UST Golden Tigresses but will have the tough task of facing a streaking Ateneo Blue Eagles (4-5) squad as they try to gain solo second in the standings.
Though having had their rival’s number in recent seasons, La Salle will clash with a confident Ateneo team who are currently riding a three-game winning streak. After falling short of the Final Four last year, the Blue Eagles will do well to get one over contenders La Salle to make way for themselves in the Top 4.
Meanwhile, the Lady Spikers hope to have Angel Canino back and in form after her injury scare as they try to create distance between themselves and the rest of the field as they try and chase the league-leading NU Lady Bulldogs.
In Round 1, it took four sets before the Lady Spikers managed to put away the Blue Eagles.
UST vs Adamson - 3pm
The UST Golden Tigresses (5-4) are expected to lick their wounds after a tough five-set loss to La Salle in their last game, as they now collide with an Adamson Lady Falcons (3-6) side fighting to stay alive in the Final Four race.
After watching the game against La Salle slip away, the Golden Tigresses will hope to reestablish their status as contenders with a victory over the limping Lady Falcons who continue to lean on ace rookie Shaina Nitura.
But with Adamson currently fighting for their lives at the bottom half of the standings, expect fireworks to come out from the matchup.
A few days ago, the undermanned Blue Eagles had the upper hand against the Lady Falcons to get their fourth win.
Saturday, April 5 (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
UST vs Ateneo - 1pm
The Ateneo Blue Eagles will look to nab some big fish when they collide with the UST Golden Tigresses in weekend action.
After showing their mettle against contender teams at the bottom half of the standings, the Blue Eagles are eager to prove themselves against last year’s finalists. Having an upwards campaign in the second round, Ateneo is looking to keep things going.
Meanwhile, the Golden Tigresses will try to restore order and climb in the standings anew after falling to No. 4 over the last weekend. With the competition only getting harder as the semifinals near, UST are willing to throw everything but the kitchen sink to gain the advantage.
Almost a month ago, the Growling Tigresses dominated in straight sets against the Blue Eagles.
La Salle vs UE - 3pm
Pride will be on the line for the UE Lady Warriors (0-10) as they try their hand at getting their first win of the season when they face the DLSU Lady Spikers in what could be a monumental upset for the players out of Mendiola.
Already out of the Final Four race, the Lady Warriors will seek to end their season strong after multiple close calls throughout the season.
La Salle, for their part, will be hard-pressed not to let themselves be UE’s salvation for the year as they hope to get over the hump to continue pushing for the twice-to-beat advantage after NU’s loss to UP ensured that the tournament will undergo the traditional Final Four format.
Sunday, April 6 (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
FEU vs UP - 1pm
The FEU Lady Tamaraws (6-4) will be raring to get back at the UP Fighting Maroons (5-5) after their shock loss against the Diliman team in the first round. Careful not to lag behind the rest of the pack in the FInal Four, every game will now be crucial for the Morayta squad.
The Lady Tamaraws have had an up-and-down season so far, with flashes of brilliance coming together with rough patches coming together for FEU in Season 87.
The UP Fighting Maroons, for their part, who have won back-to-back games including an emphatic upset over the NU Lady Bulldogs, will try to prove themselves more as they try compete for a spot in the Final Four after missing out in the past nine years.
NU vs Adamson - 3pm
The NU Lady Bulldogs (9-1) will try to inch closer to the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four as they battle the Adamson Lady Falcons in their second round encounter.
A rejuvenated Lady Bulldogs are coming off of a bounce back win against a determined FEU squad over the weekend, realigning themselves after suffering their first loss of the season at the hands of the UP Fighting Maroons.
But Adamson, who are still trying to compete for a shot in the Final Four, will be determined to trip the defending champions for what would be their biggest win of the season so far.
[ALSO READ: UAAP Season 87 volleyball guide: Schedule, results, standings, where to watch, and more]