Both the UST Golden Tigresses and the NU Lady Bulldogs will try to find ways to extend their current win streaks in UAAP Season 87 ahead of their Finals rematch to end round 1.
UAAP Season 86 finalists UST and NU are both on a roll as they own the top-2 spots in the standings midway through the first round of UAAP Season 87. With separate opponents standing in their way this week, the Golden Tigresses and the Lady Bulldogs hope to build on their momentum ahead of their clash.
The Golden Tigresses, who are currently on a three-game streak, will face a busy week with two games, while the Lady Bulldogs have just one assignment for the week. Both teams finish the first round against each other on March 16.
Let’s take a look at all the competitive games slated this week ahead of the competitive Finals rematch.
Wednesday, March 5 (Mall of Asia Arena)
UE vs FEU - 2:00 p.m.
The UE Lady Warriors (0-4) will try to get out of their slump and show fight this UAAP season as they go up against the up-and-down FEU Lady Tamaraws (2-2) in Wednesday’s opening women's game.
Since pushing UP to five sets in their first game of the season, the Lady Warriors have only won one set since, and are coming off of back-to-back straight sets losses at the hands of Adamson and NU.
The road only gets tougher for them as they face an FEU team that is on a high thanks to a gutsy five-set win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
After a seesaw start to the season, FEU will try to mount its first win streak of the year.
UP vs UST - 4:00 p.m.
The UST Golden Tigresses (3-1) are gaining momentum after losing their opening game, as they currently own a three-game winning streak and will try to add more by taking on the slumping UP Fighting Maroons.
Fresh off of winning Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week, Angge Poyos will rally the Golden Tigresses against the Fighting Maroons (2-2) who have now lost two games in a row, the most recent coming at the hands of DLSU.
Eager to show their competitiveness, UP will try to regain its bearings with the help of veteran middle blocker Niña Ytang and rookie Kianne Olango.
Saturday, March 8 (Mall of Asia Arena)
DLSU vs UE - 1:00 p.m.
The DLSU Lady Spikers (2-2) are looking for their first win streak in UAAP Season 87 and they will try to do it against the UE Lady Warriors, who are struggling to get things going this year with a depleted lineup.
After a convincing win over the promising UP Fighting Maroons, La Salle’s Shevana Laput and Angel Canino have discovered a new offensive source in Lilay Del Castillo and will try to take advantage when they tangle against UE.
Meanwhile, the Lady Warriors hope to finally break through with the help of consistent scorers like Khy Cepada and Van Bangayan.
Adamson vs FEU - 3:00 p.m.
The Adamson Lady Falcons (2-2) are looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the UST Golden Tigresses when they face another potential Final Four contender in FEU.
Shaina Nitura, who is fresh off of a triple-double performance in the loss, eyes a redemption game against the equally formidable defense of head coach Tina Salak’s Lady Tamaraws.
With FEU now on the winning track again, the Lady Tamaraws will try to repulse Nitura’s efforts with a team effort led by Jean Asis and Faida Bakanke.
Sunday, March 9 (Mall of Asia Arena)
UP vs NU - 1:00 p.m.
The NU Lady Bulldogs (4-0) have been on fire for UAAP Season 87, and they’re looking to make the UP Fighting Maroons their next victim.
After restoring order with a win against the UE Lady Warriors in their previous outing, the Lady Bulldogs hope to see Erin Pangilinan build on her scoring game against the Recto-based squad to extend their win streak to five.
Meanwhile, UP will try to prove themselves as legitimate contenders with a fight against the defending champions.
UST vs Ateneo - 3:00 p.m.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles (1-3) are seeking some form of consistency in UAAP Season 87, but standing in their way are last year’s finalists UST.
After pushing the FEU Lady Tamaraws to five sets in their last game, the Blue Eagles will try to finish the job against the Golden Tigresses. Since coming back from injury, Sobe Buena has been in top form for her team.
But the Golden Tigresses, who will try to get as many wins before they meet NU in their first round closer, will be determined to continue on their winning ways.