WHO wants a Round 3 of the budding rivalry between National University and University of Santo Tomas?
That seems to be consensus as the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament seems to mimic the trend happening with its male counterparts.
But that doesn’t mean that the rest of the league are afterthoughts.
That’s why Spin.ph is here to bring you our fearless forecast for the ladies which is set to tip off on Wednesday.
(1) UST Growling Tigresses
Dethroned last year, UST is coming back with a vengeance as it heads to this season as the title favorites as coach Haydee Ong built a formidable lineup ready to make another run for the crown.
Kent Pastrana should set herself apart after that Gilas Pilipinas Women callup and former MVP Eka Soriano is also back in full strength. Those two, playing their final year for the Tigresses, is expected to put the league on notice.
But the biggest ace up UST’s sleeve is probably Nigerian center Oma Onianwa who already proved to be a handful in the team’s runner-up finish in the WMPBL Invitational Tournament and is poised to man the paint for the ladies from Espana.
Girls MVP Barby Dajao and Fil-Australian Erinn McAlary join sophomores Karylle Sierba and Kyla Relliquette in the Tigresses’ youth brigade as they try to reclaim the throne which was lost last year.
(2) NU Lady Bulldogs
Hard to believe, but the defending champions are considered as underdogs this season.
It wasn’t the easiest offseason for National University which undergone a lot of changes, most notably the assumption of longtime deputy DA Olan to the head coaching spot to replace Aris Dimaunahan.
But he promised stability, especially for this Lady Bulldogs team which will rely on fifth-year banger Angel Surada and fellow seniors Kristine Cayabyab, Karl Ann Pingol, and Aloha Betanio.
Last season’s Rookie of the Year and Finals MVP Cielo Pagdulagan should also come in stronger for the Jhocson crew as they seek to continue their dynastic run while dedicating this season to their fallen teammate Ashlyn Abong.
(3) Ateneo Blue Eagles
Kacey dela Rosa, as the case in the past two seasons, is still the odds-on favorite for the MVP crown.
But the Gilas Pilipinas Women center will no longer be content with individual accolades and coach LA Mumar heard that plea loud and clear.
Coming into the Blue Eagles’ next are promising rookies namely Gilas Youth member Hannah Lopez, history-maker Erica de Luna (yes, that girl who recorded a quadruple-double last year), and Fil-Am guard Camille Malagar which should add more depth to the Katipunan squad.
Nigerian center Sarah Makanjuola, riding off her Mythical Team selection last season, will continue to backstop dela Rosa up front, and count on Sandra Villacruz, Kai Oani, and Gracie Batongbakal to show more maturity as they’ll be tasked to provide that veteran presence – and maybe, just a Finals run in the offing.
(4) La Salle Lady Archers
With a big roster turnaround, the question for coach Cholo Villanueva is who will take the lead for La Salle’s campaign this season.
Fortunately, holdovers bannered by Luisa dela Paz, Kyla Sunga, and Patricia Mendoza are still here hungry to bring the glory back to Taft.
The arrival of transferees Kyla Go (FEU) and Steph Villapando (UST) should also ensure that this Lady Archers crew won’t be lacking in experience.
But the green-and-white should be most excited for their rookies, with former Gilas Youth member BJ Villarin and sisters Aiesha and Shantei Dizon all reinforcing their bid to make it to the Final Four for the first time since UAAP Season 85.
(5) Adamson Lady Falcons
With an almost intact roster, Adamson should be coming in with a lot of confidence for this season.
But the biggest question mark really is on the coaching side, with first-year mentor Jed Colonia coming in place of Ryan Monteclaro who steered this team to the Final Four last season.
Elaine Etang and Cheska Apag, fresh off their national team callup in the 2025 Fiba 3x3 U23 World Cup, are ready to once again take the league by storm together with pool reserve Jamanah Meniano.
Victoria Adeshina is still going to be a problem down low, and count on veterans Cris Padilla, Kat Agojo, and Novie Ornopia to keep the Lady Falcons competitive in this run.
(6) FEU Lady Tamaraws
Count on Yvette Villanueva to take a bigger role for FEU this season especially after her Gilas Pilipinas callup.
That should bode well for coach Raiza Palmera-Dy, now on her second year at the helm, as she expects a tougher fight from her Lady Tamaraws.
Fil-Am guard Amyah Espanol is poised to be a game-changer after serving her redshirt year as she teams up with holdovers Shane Salvani, MJ Manguiat, and Maxene dela Torre – one the team badly needs with Josee Kaputu still out of commission for this season.
(7) UP Lady Maroons
Favour Onoh’s decision to transfer to NCAA Division I school Oklahoma State U will hurt a lot for a UP team still lacking in ceiling.
That means for the second straight year, Achrissa Maw and Shanina Tapawan will have to work their butts off keeping the Lady Maroons competitive down low.
What coach Paul Ramos can build on will be his backcourt, with this being the second straight year of the partnership between national team members Louna Ozar and Camille Nolasco.
(8) UE Lady Warriors
Finally ending its 40-game losing skid last year, UE is hoping that this season will bring in more positive results.
The red-and-white will bank on veterans Rachel Lacayanga, Aliyah Ronquillo, and Moana Vacalares to carry the fight in this campaign, but as in seasons’ past, it won’t be easy bringing the team into the conversation of Final Four contenders.
Let’s see if the head coaching change from Ai Lebornio to Ian Valdez can change the fortunes in Recto for these Lady Warriors.
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