SSC, Ateneo clash for V-League top spot

MANILA, Philippines—San Sebastian-Excelroof and Ateneo de Manila University clash on Thursday for the solo lead even as newcomers University of Perpetual Help and National University collide in the Shakey’s V-League Season 7 second conference at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Stags and the Lady Eagles go for a third straight victory when they meet at 6 p.m. in the last match of the three-game bill.

Locked in a four-team tie at third with 1-1 records, the Lady Altas and the Lady Bulldogs duel in the first game at 2 p.m.

Adamson University, another team with a 1-1 record, tries to follow up its confidence-building victory Sunday when it tackles Lyceum of the Philippines at 4 p.m.

Underscoring their worth as the team to beat in the conference with the absence of defending champion University of Santo Tomas, the Lady Stags rolled past College of St. Benilde in straight sets last Thursday.

But focus will be on Ateneo’s prized rookie, Alyssa Valdez, who showed flashes of brilliance in the thrilling five-set win over Perpetual Help Saturday.

“She’s adjusting to the college game and she’ll play a key role in our campaign in the next few years,” said Ateneo coach Clint Malazo of the 5-foot-8 Valdez, a standout from UST high school.

Of the two rookie teams, the Lady Altas have looked the more formidable squad early in the tournament.

While the Lady Altas gave the Lady Eagles all that they could handle before yielding, the NU Lady Bulldogs proved easy picking for the Adamson Lady Falcons. Cedelf P. Tupas.

--Philippine Daily Inquirer