UAAP volleyball: Lady Eagles' hold of second spot at stake against Lady Tams

Ateneo stakes its hold of second place when it takes on Far Eastern University in the 74th UAAP women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan City. The Lady Eagles, aiming to close out the first round with their fifth win in six games, are expected to have a hard time against the Lady Tamaraws side in their 3:30 p.m. match with the Morayta-based spikers playing inspired ball. FEU holds a 3-2 card and was joined by Adamson, which faces NU at 2 p.m., at fourth place. The Lady Tams won their last game, a 25-22, 25-23, 25-17 victory over the Lady Falcons last Saturday even with ace spiker Maica Morada riding the bench as a form of disciplinary action for missing the team's practice for one week. And FEU coach Nes Pamilar said Ateneo should be worried. "We have cooked up something for them (Lady Eagles).  We have reviewed their game and we are ready." If Pamilar chose to keep Morada on the bench, FEU—winners of 29 women's titles in the league—would be relying on Wenneth Eulalio, Rosemarie Vargas, Mayjorie Roxas, Gyzelle Sy, rookie Mary Rose Baniel and libero Christine Agno. But Ateneo is determined to keep its hold of second place behind unbeaten defending champion La Salle (5-0). "We will try to our best to maintain our standing," said Ateneo coach Roger Gorayeb. The Lady Eagles are also coming off a win surviving a terrible second set to beat the Lady Maroons, 25-13, 25-21, 25-12, last Sunday. Veteran Fille Cainglet and rookie Alyssa Valdez are again expected to be Ateneo’s 1-2 punch while Dzi Gervacio, Gretchen Ho, playmaker Jem Ferrer and defensive specialist Denden Lazaro providing support. — JVP, GMA News