GAMES TOMORROW
(Mall of Asia Arena)
9 a.m. – UE vs UP (M)
11 a.m. – FEU vs UST (M)
1 p.m. – UE vs UP (W)
3 p.m. – FEU vs UST (W)
PACKED with promising talents and top-notch matches, the 87th UAAP volleyball tournament returns tomorrow, with National University out to keep the men’s and women’s titles.
A four-game bill gets the league going at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, with fans assured of exciting matches.
The league was launched yesterday at the MOA Arena with executive director ReboSaguisag, tournament director Mike Verano, the league’s Board of Directors, coaches and players promising an intense battle.
In the women’s division, all eyes will be on the Lady Bulldogs, now guided by multi-titled champion coach Sherwin Meneses, who will be led by reigning Most Valuable Player Bella Belen and veterans Alyssa Solomon, Sheena Toring, Camila Lamina and Erin Pangilinan.
The UST Growling Tigresses, last year’s runners-up, will be led by skipper DetdetPepito, AnggePoyos, Cassie Carballo and Regina Jurado.
Also expected to contend for the title are the De La Salle Lady Spikers, last year’s third-placers, who will be paced by team captain Angel Canino, ShevanaLaput and AlleiahMalalunan while Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws are on a mission to regain their glory days with ChenieTagaod, Tin Ubaldo and FaidaBakanke leading the way.
“Sobrang excited ako to play ngayonkasi this is my final year with NU and gusto naming mag-back-to-back [title] kasihindinaminsiyanagawanung Season 85 so ngayon mas ibaiyong mindset ng team kasi mas mahirap mag-defend ng title kaysaumagaw ng crown. Dapat ready kami samga challenge napwedengiharapsamin ng bawat teams and at the same time, ‘yung challenge napwede naming harapin as a team,” Belen said of NU’s bid.
In the men’s side, the Bulldogs are gunning for a five-peat, with the blue-and-gold crew from Sampaloc begins its post-Joshua Retamar and Nico Almendras era.
The Dante Alinsunurin-mentored NU hopes to continue its championship culture with MichaeloBuddin, Jade Disquitado, Choi Diao and Obed Mukaba showing the way.
All matches will be aired live on free television via One Sports every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday and on the UAAP Varsity Channel. Games will also be available via Pilipinas Live app.
