Battle of the Rivals: Ateneo Lady Eagles vs La Salle Lady Spikers

(Photo Courtesy by Battle of the Rivals Twitter page)

Ateneo De Manila University Lady Eagles prevailed over De La Salle University Lady Spikers as they rekindled their rivalry in the ‘Battle of the Rivals’ charity event at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City last July 16.

Lady Eagles won against Lady Archers in an empathic 5-set match and come-from-behind win, 17-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-21, and 15-13. It has been six consecutive years when the Lady Eagles and Lady Spikers met every finals in the collegiate volleyball league UAAP that started since Season 74.

The exhibition game was attended by a huge 12,648 crowd who once again witnessed an exciting and epic battle of the rival schools. According to ABS-CBN Sports, the charity event was aiming to raise funds for the scholarship programs of Ateneo De Manila University Foundation, De La Salle University Foundation, and Rebisco Foundation, Inc.

Tai Bundit coached the Katipunan-based squad led by former three-time UAAP MVP and team captain Alyssa Valdez, former UAAP Best Setter Jia Morado, former Finals MVP Amy Ahomiro, Fille Cainglet-Cayetano, Ella De Jesus and former UAAP Best Digger and Receiver Denise Lazaro. Jhoanna Maraguinot, Bea De Leon, Michelle Morente, and Maddie Madayag also joined the ADMU squad.

On the other side, the team from the Taft was composed of national team captain Mika Reyes, former UAAP Finals MVP Michelle Gumabao, Cha Cruz, former UAAP Best Setter and Server Kim Fajardo, and veterans Aby Maraño, Ara Galang, Melissa Gohing, Cyd Demecillo, Stephanie Mercado and Chie Saet. Coach Ramil De Jesus called the shot for the Lady Spikers.

The battle for charity and pride was a success not only for the two teams but for the whole volleyball community. ‘Battle of the Rivals’ showed how the face of volleyball in the country has changed dramatically by these two teams.