REELING from a stunning loss the last time out, Perpetual Help hopes to lick its wounds fast and recover against an also-ran Emilio Aguinaldo College side.
The Lady Altas try to get back on track and move to solo third when they tackle the Lady Generals today in the 95th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The curtain-raiser is set at noon, before Letran clashes with another eliminated squad in Jose Rizal University at 2 o’clock.
Perpetual shocked defending three-time champion Arellano 22-25, 22-25, 25-22, 25-12, 16-14 last Jan. 29.
But the Lady Altas could not keep the momentum and absorbed a 20-25, 19-25, 16-25 defeat to San Beda University last Feb. 7.
The likes of Jhona Rosal, Shyra Umandal, Dana Persa, Bianca Tripoli, and skipper Jenny Gaviola are expected to banner Perpetual’s bid to improve its 5-2 card and break a tie with the Lady Red Spikers.
EAC ended a 15-game losing skid dating back to last season with a gripping 21-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-18, 15-8 decision over San Sebastian last Feb. 6.
“Masaya kami (with the win against San Sebastian). Ang sabi ni coach (Rodrigo Palmero), ito na ang simula ng pag-angat namin,” said Lady Generals sophomore spiker Cathrine Almazan, who had a career-high 30 points against the Lady Stags.
“Iyon ang laging sinasabi sa amin ni coach na kaya namin ang lahat basta may tiwala lang kami sa sarili namin,” she added.
Aside from Almazan, the Lady Generals will pin their hopes on Krizzia Reyes and Dhariane Gallardez as they aim to improve their 1-6 record.
With a 3-3 slate for fifth, the Lady Knights are raring to atone for their 14-25, 28-26, 19-25, 16-25 setback at the hands of the Lady Chiefs last Feb. 4 and boost their Final Four hopes.
Chamberlaine Cunada, Julienne Castro, and team captain Charm Simborio will be counted upon by Letran.
The Lady Bombers, who are holding a 3-5 record, lost 22-25, 13-25, 20-25 to unbeaten College of St. Benilde last Feb. 7 that eliminated them from Final Four contention.
JRU will lean on graduating standout Dolly Grace Verzosa, Sydney Niegos, Renesa Melgar, and Riza Rose. — Michael Jugado
