Valdez, Ateneo take on NU in UAAP volleyball opener

Games Sunday:

(Filoil Flying V Arena)

8 a.m. – FEU vs UP (Men)

10 a.m. – Ateneo vs UST (Men)

2 p.m. – UP vs UE (Women)

4 p.m. – Ateneo vs NU (Women)

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo opens its quest for a three-peat against National University in a duel of fancied teams on Sunday in the UAAP Season 78 women's volleyball tournament before an expected jam-packed crowd at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

The Lady Eagles will face a tough time as the Lady Bulldogs are hoping to fare well in their first full season under coach Roger Gorayeb, in the main game at 4 p.m.

Alyssa Valdez, whose popularity put the sport into greater heights, is hoping to cap her colorful stint for Ateneo as a winner, as the San Juan, Batangas native will also get a lot of help from holdovers Amy Ahomiro, Jho Maraguinot, Bea de Leon and setter Jia Morado.

Looking to end an almost six decades of title drought, NU will bank on 6-foot-4 Jaja Santiago, Myla Pablo, Jorelle Singh, Ivy Perez and the vastly improved libero Bia General.

A team with high hopes with a mix of veterans and promising rookies, season host University of the Philippines plays University of the East in the curtain raiser at 2 p.m. Both matches will be aired live on ABS-CBN Sports+Action Channel 23.

The Lady Maroons are eyeing nonetheless a Final Four slot behind comebacking Kathy Bersola and Nicole Tiamzon, as well as rookie Isa Molde, Justine Dorog and Diana Carlos.

Ateneo also begins its quest for a second straight men's title against University of Santo Tomas at 10 a.m., right after the Far Eastern University-UP tussle at 8 a.m.

Action shifts to PhilSports Arena on February 3, as De La Salle, hoping to make a return to the throne after losing to the Lady Eagles in the last two seasons, takes on the Lady Tamaraws at 4 p.m.

The Tigresses, with new skipper EJ Laure leading the way, clash with Adamson University in the first game at 2 p.m.

The much-anticipated first meeting between the Lady Eagles and the Lady Spikers is scheduled at 4 p.m. on Feb. 27 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Lady Falcons and the Lady Warriors collide at 11 a.m., as tickets for the day's doubleheader are sold separately.

The last day of first round is set on March 2 at the San Juan venue, with NU facing UP and La Salle battling UST.