ATENEO, now a marked team in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 77 women’s volleyball tournament, opens its quest for a second straight crown against National University (NU) on November 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Eagles, who will have an almost intact roster, and the Lady Bulldogs collide in a rematch of last season’s stepladder semifinals at 4 p.m.
University of Santo Tomas and University of the East take the floor also in women’s action at 2 p.m. The men’s contest also starts on November 22 with NU facing Adamson University at 8 a.m. and Ateneo battling Far Eastern University at 10 a.m.
Action shifts to the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan the next day, November 23, with De La Salle, which squandered a tremendous thrice-to-beat Finals advantage against Ateneo to end a three-year reign in March, begins its campaign for redemption as it tackles Adamson at 4 p.m. FEU and University of the Philippines clash in an equally exciting encounter at 2 p.m.
The Lady Eagles, who are currently in Thailand for their annual training, are tipped to repeat with reigning MVP Alyssa Valdez, Michelle Morente, Jia Morado, Kim Gequillana, Amy Ahomiro and libero Denden Lazaro leading the way. Now known for its “heart strong” mantra from Thai Coach Anusorn “Tai” Bundit, Ateneo got a boost in the middle with the entry of former Poveda standout Bea de Leon.
The Lady Spikers, on the other hand, are hoping to have a new charismatic leader after the departure of skipper Abi Maraño, who have already completed her playing eligibility.
De La Salle is still a force to reckon with as Mika Reyes, Ara Galang, Cyd Demecillo, Kim Fajardo, Desiree Cheng and Cienne Cruz will banner the Taft-based team’s campaign.
The Lady Bulldogs, who lost to the Lady Eagles in the semifinals despite having a twice-to-beat edge, no longer have Dindin Santiago and Mina Aganon to carry the fight.
But Dindin’s younger sister, 6-foot-4 Jaja Santiago, will be the main girl for NU, which also has Myla Pablo, Rizza Mandapat, Ivy Perez and rookie Jorelle Singh, while Aiko Urdas is expected to suit up anytime in the season after recovering from an ACL injury she sustained in a summer tournament.
With do-it-all Sheila Pineda, May Macatuno and Mayette Zapanta, the Lady Falcons are hard-pressed to make a return trip to the Final Four.
The Lady Tamaraws, Tigresses and the Lady Maroons are hoping for a better effort this season, while the Lady Warriors are hoping to fare well under new coach Francis Vicente.