Key early showdowns for title contenders highlight a new week of UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball action.
The DLSU Lady Spikers will be plunged into another test shortly after taking their first win of the season, matching up with Final Four tormentor UST Golden Tigresses before meeting with dark horse UP in the second full week of UAAP Season 87 volleyball action.
The Lady Spikers, who recently bounced back from an opening day loss to NU, hope to add on to the woes of an injury-hit UST team who also got themselves on the board with a victory over the UE Lady Warriors in their last game.
Meanwhile, the still-perfect NU Lady Bulldogs will face a win-hungry UE team after surviving a tough five-setter against the FEU Lady Tamaraws.
Let’s take a look at this week’s schedule of UAAP women’s volleyball action.
Wednesday, February 26 (Mall of Asia Arena)
Adamson vs UE - 1:00 p.m.
Ace rookie Shaina Nitura and the Adamson Lady Falcons (1-1) were grounded after their first loss of the season against the seasoned DLSU Lady Spikers, and now they look for a bounce back against an equally determined UE Lady Warriors (0-2).
Serving as a prelude against a rivalry match between La Salle and UST, the Lady Falcons hope to soar once again but face a win-hungry UE side that have seen consistent offense across two games from veteran stars like Khy Cepada and Van Bangayan.
After taking setbacks in their most recent matches, both teams will be extra motivated to get the victory.
DLSU vs UST - 5:00 p.m.
The DLSU Lady Spikers (1-1) will face last season’s tormentors UST (1-1) in the main event of Wednesday’s double-header as a separate ticket attraction at the MOA Arena.
Both teams got themselves on the board over the weekend with wins against separate opponents and will now face off in a rematch of last season’s Final Four matchup, which UST won.
Angel Canino and company hope to pounce on an injury-hit UST squad, who will still have a formidable lineup with Regina Jurado and Angge Poyos at the helm. Having seen entertaining matchups from the two schools in recent years, this latest edition will surely be electrifying.
Saturday, March 1 (Mall of Asia Arena)
UST vs Adamson - 2:00 p.m.
The UST Golden Tigresses will cap off their week with a first game clash against the Adamson Lady Falcons, who have shown their potential of being a threat early in the season.
Hoping to get themselves going, the Golden Tigresses will continue to lean on their veteran experience to battle the rookie 1-2 punch of Nitura and Frances Mordi on the other side. Meanwhile, the Lady Falcons will try to measure themselves against a proven title contender.
As both teams seek to gain ground as the season goes into full gear, the matchup will surely bring out the best from the players.
NU vs UE - 4:00 p.m.
A rejuvenated NU Lady Bulldogs (3-0) will look to restore order when they face the UE Lady Warriors in the main game on Saturday’s double header.
Unexpectedly challenged by FEU in a grueling five-setter, the Lady Bulldogs will seek to reassert their dominance as the top contender for defending their crown in UAAP Season 87. Just like in their game against FEU, Bella Belen,
Alyssa Solomon, and Vange Alinsug hope to peak at the right time.
But don’t count the UE Lady Warriors out as they have shown potential early on in the season, with their gritty showings against more stacked opponents. Can the Lady Warriors pull off the upset of the season? Or will NU continue to dominate?
Sunday, March 2 (Mall of Asia Arena)
DLSU vs UP - 1:00 p.m.
The DLSU Lady Spikers will be wary of dark horse UP (2-1) who are raring to bounce back from a surprise straight sets loss to Ateneo in their last game, as Shevana Laput tries to shift into gear for the Ramil de Jesus-mentored squad.
La Salle’s net defense will be given a run for its money in guarding against UP’s attackers like ace rookie Kianne Olango, and veteran spiker Joan Monares.
While La Salle hopes to gain momentum, the UP Fighting Maroons will be looking for another big win after previously beating Final Four team FEU in four sets. Can the Fighting Maroons seize the upset? Or will it be La Salle catching rhythm?
FEU vs Ateneo - 3:00 p.m.
The FEU Lady Tamaraws (1-2) will look to bring their learnings from a tough five-set loss to NU when they face a rejuvenated Ateneo squad, who recently barged into the win column at the expense of UP.
After a high-scoring performance against NU, Jean Asis hopes to continue producing for the Lady Tams who find themselves trying to play catch up with the upper half of the standings.
Ateneo, meanwhile, hopes to build on the momentum of its breakthrough win with Sobe Buena, AC Miner, and Lyann De Guzman leading the way for the Blue Eagles.