UAAP Volleyball kicks off this weekend

c/o UAAP

Games today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

10 a.m. – Ateneo vs UE (Men)

12 noon – AdU vs DLSU (Men)

2 p.m. – Ateneo vs UE (Women)

4 p.m. – AdU vs DLSU (Women)

Games Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

10 a.m. – FEU vs UP (Men)

12 noon – NU vs UST (Men)

2 p.m. – FEU vs UP (Women)

4 p.m. – NU vs UST (Women)

La Salle kicks off its title defense on Saturday afternoon against Adamson at 4pm, as the UAAP commences its volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Spikers hope their overseas training in Thailand will aid in their quest to repeat and make it thirteen championships for their program.

Julia Coronel shares, "I would say now that we are ready for this upcoming season. Kasi grabe din po ang naging preparation namin throughout the preseason and gusto talaga naming manalo ulit kami at hawak po ang championship this season."

Coronel will have big shoes to fill, both on and off the court, as not only is she taking on the captaincy, but also being the main setter now with the departure of Mars Alba. 

The 23-year-old adds about both responsibilities, "So far looking great. Na-embrace ko rin yung role ko..."

Julia will have numerous attacking options at her disposal, from the likes of reigning Most Valuable Player Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, and Alleiah Malaluan, to Shevana Laput, Baby Jyne Soreño, and Maicah Larroza.

Seeking to step into the spotlight alongside Coronel are Amie Provido and Lyka de Leon, with the latter becoming the main libero with the departure of Justine Jazareno.

Serving as La Salle's opening opponents are the Soaring Falcons, who are seeking to build on last season's postseason appearance, but also use the momentum from their championship in the just-concluded championship in the high school girls division.

JP Yude, who helped steer the Baby Falcons to an undefeated season, will take over from Jerry Yee.

Yude will also have to deal with the departure of key cogs from last season's postseason success, with with latest being Lorene Toring, whose ACL injury just before the start of the season prematurely ending her student-athlete career.

Angelica Alcantara takes over from Louie Romero in setting duties, with the likes of Shar Ancheta, Jen Villegas, and Antonette Adolfo stepping up, with new faces Red Bascon and Barbie Jamili in tow.

Stepping into the limelight to lead her teammates is Lucille Almonte, who hopes that their preseason form would yield dividends in the league.

She says, "Sobrang laki po kasi isa po ako sa mga naiwan from last season. Kailangan ko po talagang mag-step up and kailangan ko talagang i-guide ng maayos ang team."

Almonte adds, "Sobrang blessed naman ako kasi nandiyan yung mga coaches ko para i-guide nila kami."

The other women's volleyball matchup features Ateneo against UE at 2pm, with both teams taking on massive rebuilding responsibilities.

The Blue Eagles now have Sergio Veloso as their mentor, while Yee has moved from San Marcelino to Recto to helm the Lady Warriors.

Ateneo is coming off their worst season in a decade, finishing 4-10 and missing the postseason.

Roma Mae Doromal now serves as the team captain, with AC Miner and Lyanne de Guzman mentoring the young side that includes outstanding high school setter Shaine Cortez.

UE is set to officially debut its crop of newcomers from California Academy, led the Casiey Dongallo, Gracen Fernandez, and Kizzie Madriaga, with veterans Khy Cepada, Riza Nogales, Dara Nieva, and Ange Reyes providing leadership.

The men's division also kickstarts on Saturday, as Aimar Okeke makes his debut for Ateneo against UE at 10am, with the Noel Kampton-led La Salle facing off against Adamson at noon.