Shakey's V-league Finals Weekend on GNTV

Published May 23, 2013 6:59pm

Shakey’s V-league Back-to-back Champions - The Ateneo Lady Eagles will be defending their title against the National University Lady Bulldogs who are making their first-ever appearance in the finals of the Shakey’s V-League.

Defending back-to-back champions Ateneo clinched the first finals berth by sweeping six-time champion UST. The Lady Eagles power line-up of Alyssa Valdez and Fille Cainglet have been reinforced by veterans Rachel Ann Daquis and Thai ace Jang Bualee. Coach Roger Gorayeb hopes to carry the Lady Eagles to a third straight championship.

Rachel Ann Daquis of Ateneo tips the ball against Ruby de Leon and Dindin Santiago of NU.

However, the Eagles believe that this match-up will serve as a challenge for the team who suffered their only loss of the tournament to NU in the quarterfinals. "We lost to NU, which showed how strong the Lady Bulldogs are. Hopefully, with Jang (Bualee) already playing for us, we'll get to give them a good fight," says Coach Gorayeb.

National University utilized its vaunted firepower and stonewall defense to subdue Adamson University in the semi-finals.

Dindin Santiago holds up her Shakey's V-League MVP trophy, which was presented to her prior to game one of the Finals, Thursday at the SM MOA Arena. Santiago was also named Best Scorer, while three other Lady Bulldogs took home prizes.

NU’s chances for a breakthrough win in the championship will hinge on its spikers -- including the Twin Tower Santiago sisters – Dindin and Jaja, and its veteran setter Ruby de Leon. NU mentor Edjet Mabbayad says that de Leon holds the key for their title bid. "We got her (de Leon) because she's one of the best setters in the country today and her experience keeps the team together," said Mabbayad, the youngest coach at 26 in the current batch.

AIza Maizo of UST spikes the ball against Angela Benting and Erika Alkuino of Adamson.

Adamson and University of Sto. Tomas will be battling it out for the V-league Season 10 First Conference 3rd place.

Game One of the best-of-three finals is set on Thursday (May 23) at the MOA Arena and will be aired on a delayed basis on GMA News TV on May 24 at 1:00 PM and May 25 at 12:45 PM. Game Two will be aired LIVE on May 26 at 12:45 PM.