National University begins its title defense in both the men’s and women’s divisions as the UAAP Season 87 collegiate volleyball tournament kicks off this weekend at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Bulldogs will launch their bid for a third championship in four seasons when they face the De La Salle University Lady Spikers at 3:00 PM on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs, aiming for their fifth consecutive title, will take on the Green Spikers at 11:00 AM in an early test of their championship aspirations.
Sunday’s highly anticipated women’s match-up is a rematch of the Season 85 Finals, where La Salle dethroned NU to claim the championship.
The tournament officially opens on Saturday at the same Pasay venue.
Last season’s runner-up, the University of Santo Tomas, will battle Far Eastern University at 3:00 PM in the women’s division. Their men’s teams will also renew their rivalry earlier in the day at 11:00 AM.
Host school University of the Philippines will face the University of the East in the women’s division at 1:00 PM, following their men’s match-up at 9:00 AM.
On Sunday, Ateneo and Adamson University will clash in the women’s division at 1:00 PM, while their men’s squads open the day’s action at 9:00 AM.
Games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena will follow a schedule of two men’s matches first, followed by two women’s matches, with times set at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
Meanwhile, matches held at the Filoil EcoOil Centre will follow a men’s-women’s-men’s-women’s format, with game times at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM.
Two marquee women’s match-ups — La Salle vs. UST on February 26 at MOA Arena and NU vs. UST on March 16 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum — will require separate tickets.
Both matches are scheduled for a 5:00 PM first serve. (TJ)
Full schedule is here:
