AFTER sitting it out for the last two seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic, high-leaping and power-hitting belles are set to hit the court anew in the 84th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.
Defending champion Ateneo launches its title-retention bid when it battles archrival La Salle today as the tournament opens at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The match is set at 4 p.m., while National University takes on Adamson University at 12 o’clock.
University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University collide at 10 a.m. in a duel kicking off the new season. University of the Philippines clashes with University of the East in the nightcap at 6 p.m.
Lady Eagles coach Oliver Almadro admitted his team is raring to go despite their lack of scouting reports on other teams.
“Talagang walang scouting. We will just find a way. We’re excited to play again lalo na iyong players namin. Finally, thank you to the UAAP and the board that they decided to push through with the UAAP,” Almadro said.
“Thankful kami and excited and medyo ninenerbiyos, of course, kasi two years walang UAAP or official volleyball tournament. We’ll get through it,” he added.
Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo shared the same sentiments with Almadro.
“As coach Oliver said, (we’re) excited and nervous since two years kaming walang competitive volleyball, talagang kinakabahan kami,” Orcullo said. “Sana maging maganda iyong season and injury-free.”
Ateneo lost the trio of stars Jhoanna Maraguinot, Kat Tolentino, and Jules Samonte.
The Lady Eagles will bank on the likes of skipper Dani Ravena, Jaja Maraguinot, Faith Nisperos, and Vanie Gandler.
La Salle will have to make do without Tin Tiamzon, Aduke Ogunsanya, and Michelle Cobb.
Jolina Dela Cruz, Thea Gagate, and Marionne Alba will be counted upon by the Lady Spikers.
The Golden Tigresses, who wound up as bridesmaids to Ateneo in 2019, will no longer have EJ Laure and Alina Bicar.
UST will pin its hopes on Eya Laure and Imee Hernandez.
Gel Cayuna, Czarina Carandang, and Buding Duremdes have bid the Lady Tamaraws goodbye and will count on Lycha Ebon and Shiela Kiseo.
