Rage Against The Green Machine

So, the Ateneo Lady Eagles overcame the heavily favored De La Salle Lady Spikers in the first game of the 2014 finals. Nobody thought the ladies from Katipunan would figure in the finals this year; or beat the well-oiled green machine. La Salle was just overpowering the whole season. They racked-up an unbeaten 14-0 record, dropping only a single set during the elimination round. Ateneo on the other hand sputtered all season long.

The first loss this season - to their fierce archrivals, and in a championship game - must be very frustrating for De La Salle. Reality check: They are, after all, not invincible as everybody perceived them to be. With the solid leadership of Aby Maraño, the ladies from Taft clobbered Ateneo twice,  and in straight lopsided sets. The hair-clipped one will need to rally her troops and raise their morale if they are to bounce back on Saturday. Ara Galang and Cyd Demecillo will have to show up with their A-game. And Mika Reyes will need to remain solid.

La Salle needs to understand Ateneo has transformed into a completely different team over their last 5 games. This team plays more cohesively and consistently now. It is no longer the Alyssa Valdez show! She has been getting much needed support from her team, as witnessed in game 1. Amy Ahomiro has matured brilliantly and imposes a solid presence in front of the net. The rookie, Jia Morado has developed into probably the smartest setter in the league. And what about the diminutive Ella De Jesus?

She has been absolutely spectacular with her gravity defying hang-time and smashing kills. Denden Lazaro's floor cover has been extensive. The addition of Michelle Morente and Aeriel Patnongon have solidified their starting six. Marge Tejada and Mae Tajima can come in and add more ceiling.

The title is there for De La Salle to take. But with Ateneo playing with a big heart, they might just get pipped. The momentum is on the blue side of the court. The historic Araneta Coliseum will be packed to the rafters. Majority of the impartial spectators will go for the underdogs. It will take more than skill to overcome a team who has everything to play for, with nothing to lose. In a peculiar way, the Green Spikers have got their backs against a wall. Whatever the result, it will be one hell of a game.