With a fourth straight title in mind, defending champion De La Salle opens its campaign in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament against archrival Ateneo on Feb. 17 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Gametime is 4 p.m., right after University of Santo Tomas battles Adamson University at 2 p.m.
The Season 81 begins a day earlier at the Filoil Flying V Centre, as last year’s runner-up Far Eastern University and National University duel at 4 p.m., following the 2 p.m. game between University of the Philippines and University of the East.
On the same day, the Bulldogs will begin their title-retention campaign in the men’s division against the Tamaraws at 10 a.m.
Despite the graduation of Kim Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron and libero Dawn Macandili, the Lady Spikers, who with 11 titles are the third winningest behind the Lady Tamaraws (29) and the Tigresses (14), are still favored to win.
All eyes will be on the Lady Maroons, who made an early statement by winning two off-season tournaments, while the Lady Eagles are looking good under new coach Oliver Almadro with an impressive campaign in the PVL Open Conference late last year.
FEU and UST, two of the league’s storied women’s volleyball programs, hope to make it all the way this time with their veteran-laden roster and with a talented rookie around.