UAAP women’s volley: Lady Eagles open defense vs Bulldogs

Games today (Mall of Asia Arena)

8 a.m. – NU vs Adamson (men)

10 a.m. – Ateneo vs FEU (men)

1:45 p.m. – Opening Ceremony

2 p.m. – UST vs UE (women)

4 p.m. – Ateneo vs NU (women)

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo kicks off its title-retention drive against contender National U today, looking for a big start with an intact roster headed by MVP Alyssa Valdez in what promises to an explosive start in the UAAP women’s volleyball competitions before an expected sellout crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.       

Gametime is at 4 p.m. with the Lady Eagles, still bringing in their “heartstrong” mantra, hoping to live up to their pre-tournament tag as the heavy favorites.

UST and season host UE clash in the first game at 2 p.m.  

Under Thai coach Anusorn “Tai” Bundit, Ateneo overcame a thrice-to-beat disadvantage to dethrone La Salle for its first-ever crown last March with the Lady Eagles keeping the core of the squad that includes Michelle Morente, Amy Ahomiro, Ella de Jesus and rookie Bea de Leon, as well as libero Denden Lazaro and setter Jia Morado.

Aside from the Lady Spikers, who only lost Abi Maraño to graduation, the Lady Bulldogs remain as one of the Lady Eagles’ biggest threats to the throne.

Gone are Dindin Santiago and Mina Aganon, who are now playing in club leagues, but NU, now handled by coach Ariel dela Cruz, still has a lot of materials on its disposal to end a 58-year old title drought. Dindin’s 6-foot-4 sister Jaja Santiago will lead the Lady Bulldogs along with skipper Desiree Dadang, Myla Pablo, Rizza Mandapat, Ivy Perez and Fatima General, while rookies Jorelle Singh and Marites Pablo are also expected to deliver.      

NU could have met La Salle in the Season 76 Finals, but lost to Ateneo in the stepladder semifinals despite holding a twice-to-beat edge.       

The Tigresses also hope to end a string of non-Final Four seasons behind Pam Lastimosa, Carmela Tunay, Ria Meneses, Jessey de Leon and Dancel Dusaran. Former UST high school MVP EJ Laure will bring her power game in college along with Cebu’s Cherry Rondina and Mary Pacres.       

Mired on a 31-game losing streak which spans for three seasons, there’s nothing for the Lady Warriors but to go up with a young roster under new coach Francis Vicente.      

Leuseth Dawis will return to play another year for UE to reunite with her former national youth coach, while Abi Ponon, Shaya Adorador and Chello Ramos are also expected to step up for the Lady Warriors.