BY ABBY TORALBA
REIGNING champion National University launches its title-retention drive when it battles Ateneo in the 85th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament that gets going tomorrow, Saturday, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The match is set at 2 p.m., highlighting a heavy quadruple-header opening day.
The tiff pitting the Lady Bulldogs and the Blue Eagles is anticipated to be a nail-biter as both teams had a productive offseason where NU captured the Shakey’s Super League crown, while Ateneo ruled the V-League Women’s Collegiate Championship.
Last season, the Lady Bulldogs completed a season sweep and ended a 65-year title drought under coach Karl Dimaculangan.
Amid expectations and pressure to defend their crown this season, Dimaculangan kept on reminding her troops that they should not settle with their achievement last year.
“Sinabihan ko naman iyong mga players, inexplain ko narin sa kanila na kailangan maintindihan namin na hindi magiging madali and sabi nga lahat ng coaches na nag-prepare din (sila) mabuti so kailangan hindi kami mag-settle for kung ano iyong na-achieve namin but for more pa kami,” Dimaculangan said.
Aside from reigning Rookie-MVP Mhicaela Belen, expected to lead NU’s charge are Princess Robles, Jen Nierva, Sheena Toring, Camilla Lamina and Alyssa Solomon after the departure of Ivy Lacsina and Chennie Arroyo.
Ateneo will lean on Faith Nisperos, Vanie Gandler, Roma Doromal, Alexis Miner, Joan Narit, and Lyann De Guzman following the exit of Jaja Maraguinot, Dani Ravena and Erika Raagas.
Adamson University and University of the East clash at noon.
With new tactician Jerry Yee, Adamson will bank on Louie Romero, Lucille Almonte, Kate Santiago, Antonette Adolfo, Trisha Tubu and Lorene Toring.
Janeca Lana, Dara Nieva, Lia Pelaga, Rhea Manalo, Jel Quizon, Jasckin Babol, under new strategist Ronwald Dimaculangan, will carry the fight for the Lady Red Warriors.
