5 THINGS TO WATCH FOR IN GAME 2 OF THE UAAP WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL FINALS

1. A continued onslaught from Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure

Sisi Rondina has always been a beast on the court. The difference this year is that she has help. With the two best outside hitters in the game wearing tiger stripes, the play of Rondina and super rookie Eya Laure evokes a time when Venus Bernal and Ging Balse ruled over the volleyball court for UST. Make no mistake about it: pressure for MVP Rondina to perform is still there. The difference is now she knows that she has the 1st Best Outside Hitter beside her to pick up the slack when needed.

2. The emergence of Alina Bicar

Alina Bicar is peaking at the right time for UST. She’s distributing the ball well for the Golden Tigresses and has shown moments of pure brilliance as their main setter. With Bicar playing this well and making the right decision with each possession, the defense of Ateneo will find themselves in a tough spot figuring out the already potent offense of UST.

3. Ateneo’s twin towers

Bea de Leon and Maddie Madayag anchor what is arguably the best defense of this UAAP Women’s Volleyball season. They’re both playing their last year in the UAAP and they have to play like it if they even have a chance of playing a do-or-die game 3. We know Madayag can do it after producing 11 blocks in an elimination round matchup against UST and she might need the same type of performance today to contain UST.

4. Ateneo’s other players need to step up

In the first game, only Kat Tolentino scored in double digits for the Lady Eagles. That simply cannot happen in game 2.  Rondina and Laure are hands down the best open hitters in the league right now and are expected to put up monster numbers once again. Ateneo’s hitters don’t need to match UST’s super duo point for point but they at least have to show up and be threats to score. Ateneo’s reception also leaves a lot to be desired gifting UST with 10 service aces and plenty of questionable first balls. Deanna Wong needs their receptions to be better to be able to operate and generate more scoring possibilities for the Lady Eagles.

5. Hunger vs experience

In terms of championship experience, the Ateneo Lady Eagles should have the upper hand. Madayag, de Leon, and Kim Gequillana were all part of Ateneo’s last championship run and coach Oliver Almadro is the man behind the three-peat of the Ateneo Men’s Volleyball team and that should all count for something. On the other side of the net, though, is a hungry UST team that believes it is their time again at the top (#KamiNaman) and is definitely playing like it. Whether it’s the experience of Ateneo or UST’s desire to prove themselves once again that shines through, we’re definitely expecting a thoroughly entertaining and exciting game.