NATIONAL University gets another crack at completing an elusive women’s volleyball three-peat come UAAP Season 88.
This time, however, the Lady Bulldogs will have to do it without longtime stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.
READ: Is rebuilding NU ready for life after Belen, Solomon?
Now under the baton of Regine Diego, NU opens its title defense against Season 86 finals rival University of Santo Tomas on February 15 at 4 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Coming off a strong run in the Shakey’s Super League Preseason Unity Cup, UAAP Season 87 juniors MVP Sam Cantada is set to take on a bigger role as National U’s new offensive standard-bearer, alongside Vange Alinsug and former UAAP best setter Lams Lamina.
On the other side, the Golden Tigresses will be steered by the last coach to bring España a UAAP women’s volleyball crown 15 years ago in Shaq delos Santos.
UST will rely on familiar faces in Angge Poyos, Reg Jurado, Cassie Carballo and captain Detdet Pepito, bolstered by the return of Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula from their respective injuries.
That matchup will be preceded by the opening of reigning best rookie Shaina Nitura’s sophomore season with Adamson against Ateneo, with the Alas Pilipinas standout coming off a record-setting rookie year in the UAAP.
After missing the Final Four by a single spot last season, Nitura will be supported by Frances Mordi and Fhei Sagaysay, along with newcomers Lhouriz Tuddao at middle blocker and libero Althea Aposaga.
A day earlier on Valentine’s Day, a retooled University of the Philippines squad under Fabio Menta takes on University of the East at 1 p.m.
The California Academy-turned-Lady Red Warriors core of Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, and Kizzie Madriaga will backstop the mainstay trio of three-time UAAP best middle blocker Niña Ytang, Irah Jaboneta and Joan Monares.
Like Ateneo, UE will also look to turn the page with an influx of fresh faces as it aims to climb out of the league’s lower rungs.
The doubleheader will be capped by a marquee showdown between reigning runner-up La Salle and Far Eastern University at 3 p.m., still at the Pasay City venue.
Last season’s silver medalists boast a potent Taft trio in Angel Canino, Shevana Laput and Amie Provido as the Lady Spikers look to bring the green-and-white back on top.
Despite the departures of Jean Asis and Chenie Tagaod, the Lady Tamaraws are aiming to build on their recent string of Final Four appearances behind Faida Bakanke, Gerz Petallo, and Jaz Ellarina.
The much-anticipated finals rematch between NU and La Salle is slated for March 15 at 3 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena to close the first round of the preliminaries.
Check out the first round match schedules in full here:
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