The UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament will open with a bang this coming weekend at the SM Mall of Asia Arena as last year’s Final Four teams collide against each other.
Reigning champion De La Salle University will open its title defense on Saturday at 4:00 PM against bronze medalist Adamson University. Then Ateneo de Manila University and University of the East open the women’s day at 2:00 PM.
“Sa team naman namin we’re making sure na lagi naming sinasabi sa kanila na ‘wag tayong makuntento na nag-champion tayo ngayon. Tapos na yun, we have to face the new season to prepare na double time,” said Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo on Monday at the tournament press conference.
“We’re the defending champion, all the teams are after us. So mas mahirap mag-defend ng championship kaysa ikaw yung hahabol sa nag-champion,” he continued.
On the other hand, bridesmaid National University will begin its hunt for redemption on Sunday at 4:00 PM when it faces the new-look University of Santo Tomas – which no longer has Eya Laure.
Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines will clash at 2:00 PM, with both schools looking to gift their new head coaches (Manolo Refugia – FEU, Oliver Almadro – UP) a winning debut.
The much-anticipated rematch of last year’s epic finale between La Salle and NU will be on March 16 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum at 2:00 PM.
Over at the men’s side, it will be a grand opening as right on the second play date of the season, the fans will get to enjoy the rematch of last year’s Finals.
The four-peat-seeking Bulldogs will face the Golden Spikers on Sunday at 12:00 PM.
NU will also aim to preserve its unbeaten streak in the UAAP, which now stands at 34 games. The Bulldogs have not lost a game since their first game in Season 81 on February 16, 2019.
“Sa amin challenge lang ulit sa amin ngayong season kasi importante na meron kaming hinahawakan na record para hindi kami magpabaya kasi importante rin ito sa mga player na kailangan machallenge lagi sa nangyayari,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
