BACOLOD City – Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles is making its return here as it faces Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in the first of their two-day exhibition volleyball game today.
Game time is at 5 p.m. at the University of St. La Salle Gymnasium where the UAAP Season 84 bronze medalist Blue Eagles is aiming to record its second win in three exhibition matches held in the venue this year.
The Blue Eagles first played an exhibition game in USLS Gym last September where they were defeated by Premier Volleyball League squad Akari Power Chargers, 25-27, 25-21, 22-25, 25-18, 15-12.
The Blue Eagles returned to this city a month later and scored a 25-21, 27-25, 21-25, 22-25, 15-11 escape over University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses in an event that was part of the annual Masskara Festival.
“Last (UAAP tournament) we really had a short preparation. We were limited to a few tune-up games. Having exhibition matches and pre-season tournaments is really important to us since a lot of our players turned pro,” said Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro.
“We have a lot of new players so we really have to immerse ourselves in an actual match,” he added. “We only have a few players in Ateneo, so most likely whoever plays in our pre-season games and friendlies, will be our players in the UAAP.”
Both Ateneo and FEU also have Western Visayas-based players in their roster with the Blue Eagles having Ilongga Roma Mae Doromal and Negrense Beutiliza Lomocso and the Lady Tamaraws are parading Negrenses Ann Monares and Kiesha Bedonia.
Other possible players in Ateneo lineup were Faith Nisperos, Vanessa Gandler, Sophia Ildefonso, Alexa Miner, Joan Narit, Kiara Cruz, Jean Licauco, Lyann De Guzman, Takako Fujimoto, Yvana Sulit, Geezel Tsunashima, Gena Hora and Makana Kowalski.
The Lady Tamaraws, on the other hand, had Christine Ubaldo, Alexandra Juangco, Ann Asis, Chenie Tagaod, Gilliane Gallo, Shiela Kiseo, Jean Asis, Jovelyn Fernandez, Mitzi Panangin, Karyme Truz, Barbie Jamili, Blue Guzman, Shianly Zerna and Alyssa Devosora.
After their game at the USLS Gym, the Blue Eagles and the Lady Tamaraws are set to face each other anew on Tuesday, December 20, at the Talisay City Gymnasium./PN
