Spikers from National University are still the team to beat in the coming 87th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s and women’s volleyball tournament, which gets going on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bulldogs boast of experienced veterans, making them a difficult squad to deal with in the men’s division, while NU’s strong frontline in the women’s side will see them as a fearsome unit.
“May mga nawala kaming mga veterans. Pero napaghandaan na namin ito,” said coach Dante Alinsunurin of the Bulldogs, who are looking forward to their fifth consecutive title.
The Bulldogs open their bid against the La Salle Green Spikers at 11 a.m.
Alinsunurin said they may have lost three veterans, who have graduated like Mico Almendras, John Retamar and Jann Sumagui.
But two rookies and three third-year players are expected to step up in their absence.
One of the Bulldogs expected to assume the leadership mantle is Greg Ancheta, who is now a senior player in the squad, alongside rookie Leo Ordiales, a high-leaping opposite spiker.
Meanwhile, with new coach Sherwin Meneses set to make his debut, the Lady Bulldogs start their campaign for a third crown in four seasons when they clash with the De La Salle University Lady Spikers at 3 p.m.
The Lady Bulldogs will count on last year’s MVP Mhicaela Belen to provide leadership with the presence of opposite hitter Kaye Bombita, setter Abegail Pono, Shaira Jardio, Evangeline Alinsug and Alyssa Solomon.
Other matches will have last season’s runner-up, the University of Santo Tomas meeting Far Eastern University at 3 p.m. in the women’s division, and the UST men’s team renewing its rivalry with FEU earlier in the day at 11 a.m.
Host school University of the Philippines will face the University of the East in the women’s division at 1 p.m., while the UP-UE men’s showdown is set earlier at 9 a.m.