BY ABBY TORALBA
FOUR games will kick off the 85th UAAP volleyball tournament this Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena, with women’s defending champion National University battling Ateneo in the nightcap.
Men’s volleyball will make a comeback after three years, with the Bulldogs defending the title and aiming for a three-peat.
“I think everybody is excited to see the games, especially the ladies. They have trained forever. As a former athlete, I know you guys train six days a week so this is a culmination of all the hard work in the battle, so to speak,” tournament commissioner Mike Verano said yesterday during the league’s launch at the Mall of Asia Coral Way entrance.
“So, I think they’re all excited to get on the court to show how much they’ve improved,” he added.
UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag, season President Fr. Aldrin Suan of Adamson University, and coaches from the eight teams also graced the event.
Saguisag said they will open the patron area, unlike last season when it was off limits to fans due to the pandemic.
The Karl Dimaculangan-led Lady Bulldogs will feature reigning Rookie-MVP Bella Belen, Princess Robles, Jen Nierva, Alyssa Solomon, Sheena Toring and Camilla Lamina.
The Bulldogs of tactician Dante Alinsunurin will be bannered by Nico Almendras, Joshua Retamar, Obed Mukaba, Choi Diao, Michaelo Buddin and Kennry Malinis.
Season host Adamson University faces University of the East in the first two games.
