Ateneo de Manila University stakes its unblemished slate when it battles De La Salle University in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Area in Manila today.
Ateneo coach Timmy Sto. Tomas believes their current numbers or rankings don’t matter every time they bump into each other.
In their 12 p.m. match, the Blue Eagles are more prepared compared to the last time they clashed with the Green Spikers in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
“I think we are already familiar and more accountable for each other. As much as possible, they help each other. That’s why their movements are more fluid,” Sto. Tomas, who was recently appointed as head coach of Petro Gazz in the Premier Volleyball League, said.
“But we can’t celebrate the victories because we know that it takes maturity to win this tournament.”
While the Eagles aim to stay as the lone unbeaten squad in the eight-team field, the Green Spikers hope to ride the momentum of their recent victory over the San Beda Red Spikers that hiked their record to 2-1.
Ushering in the four-game bill of the tournament is the San Beda University-National University match at 10 a.m.
Odds, however, will be stacked on the Bulldogs’ side with coach Dante Alinsunurin finally back at the helm after steering Choco Mucho to a bronze finish in the VTV Cup in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, struggling teams Mapua University and San Sebastian College-Recoletos square off at 2 p.m. while National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Saint Benilde tangles with National Athletics Association of Schools, Colleges and University’s Enderun Colleges at 4 p.m.
The 2-0 Lady Blazers, unbeaten in three seasons in the NCAA, aren’t taking the 1-2 Lady Titans lightly.
