NATIONAL University seeks to remain as the gold standard in the women’s and men’s division, as the UAAP volleyball tournaments opens this weekend at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Even as the Lady Bulldogs enter a post-Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon era, the spotlight remains on the Jhocson-based program, which retains an intact core of setter Lams Lamina, libero Shaira Jardio and outside spiker Vange Alinsug, while adding prized rookie Sam Cantada under new coach Regine Diego to bolster their three-peat bid.
The same holds true for their men’s team, as the six-peat-seeking Bulldogs maintain a cohesive lineup featuring middle blocker Peng Taguibolos, opposite spiker Leo Ordiales, and the duo of Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado — all of whom represented the Philippines in last year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship.
“I don’t feel I’m new with NU since I’m here before. I’m very happy to share the court with everyone and hopefully we defend the championship,” said Diego, who have handled the school’s high school girls program that won a championship in 2019.
The Lady Bulldogs recently went to Taiwan for training, using the camp to fine-tune systems, build chemistry, and raise their competitive level as they gear up for another shot at the title.
NU will first face University of Santo Tomas, now under returning coach Shaq delos Santos, at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Despite their lofty billing, the Bulldogs, who had their Japan training camp last month as the final leg of Season 88 build-up, are not taking the men’s field lightly.
“Ang men’s volleyball team ay ready na ma-defend ang title,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Sa amin naman, every season kasi nandiyan na yung pressure ‘eh. Pero sa amin, ang importante talaga ay ma-solve lang yung nagiging problema namin sa laro and syempre, hindi lang sa laro pero sa labas din ng training namin. Ang importante lang sa amin yung magkaroon ng mindset na every time na nasa court kami, ibigay namin yung best namin palagi,” he added.
The Bulldogs will open their season against the Golden Spikers at 11 a.m. also on Sunday.
Delos Santos, who steered UST to a 15th and most recent UAAP women’s crown in 2010, is upbeat of the team with Angge Poyos, who led the league in scoring two years ago, spearheading the charge along with Reg Jurado, Marga Altea, Cassie Carballo and libero Detdet Pepito.
“Very hands on siya and tutok na tutok siya sa amin,” Jurado said on Delos Santos.
Like the Tigresses, the Golden Spikers are looking forward for redemption after missing the Finals bus last year.
“Preparation-wise, okay naman kami,” coach Odjie Mamon said.
UST also had its overseas training camps for its women’s and men’s team in Japan, seeking to bore fruit by winning it all.
The post NU Lady Bulldogs keep top billing in UAAP volleyball appeared first on Journal News Online.
