The games this weekend were very boring in my opinion. Only the Ateneo vs FEU game gave us a thriller but it was a very good quality volleyball that was given to us by both teams. Both teams must’ve had a spa or massage or something after because you can see in their faces that they were hella tired. The floor defenses of both teams were very commendable. However, the team with more offensive options won.

Also historic this weekend was UST’s win against UE. Two single-digit sets for UE. Damn. UE must be really embarrassed and must be training harder now to give a better show to the UAAP fans in their next game.

Anyway, since Benj did the last column, it’s now my turn to give my predictions.

THE GREEN CORNER #2: ONE AND DONE

Written by: Jannie Gavile
Edited by: Benj Zabat

We’re one game a way before finishing the first round. Damn, this season’s moving so fast. Next thing we know it’s already the Championship series. Anyway, here we go

UP – NU

Believe it or not, I have a feeling that this game will go into five sets. I’m not insulting UP but NU is just determined to win their first game. In fact, if I remember last season, NU had their first and lone win against UP (correct me on this, cause I’m not sure). With that, all the more that we will see a very exciting first game on Tuesday. Without a doubt, the two tall rookies Nepomuceno of NU and Araneta of UP will have a showdown. It will also be a battle of Mangui of NU and Lopez of UP. It will be a blocking versus floor defense showdown for sure. Might I just commend though that NU improved a lot in terms of blocking. NU recruited a very good player in Nepomuceno which is why they were able to maximize this one to challenge other teams. UP should not be left behind as well. Araneta is one of the promising rookies this year. She may not be powerful but she is a very smart player and a very good blocker. Still, I’m betting UP will win this one in 4 to 5 sets. They have V-League experience and add to that, they have experienced players in Barcelon and Lopez who can carry the team. NU is composed mostly of rookies and sophomores so we shouldn’t expect much from them. However, in the next years, they can and will be deadly for sure.

UE – ADMU

Probably the most not-anticipated game this last set of games. I’d even make the UP-NU game a main game over this one. No offense though, Ateneo is playing better or maybe they are playing way up there and being competitive while UE is just playing worse. They might’ve had a good game against La Salle, but against Adamson and UST there are sets that they had single digit scores. Ateneo meanwhile is probably on target of their best ever first round record. They are gunning for a 5-2 record which never happened before in the school’s history and it is but timely that they will face a weaker team. However, underestimation will be their problem. If you guys can still remember, this same Ateneo squad went to five sets last year against UE in the first round and made history in the 5th set with a score of 24 against 22. In fact, everyone was thinking that it was a walk in the park due to the fact that Ateneo got two sets already and UE is not that strong. But, complacency and underestimation hindered to do so. I guess, the Lady Eagles are already wary of this which is why I’m betting them to win it in 3 to 4 sets.

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