Archers start 4-peat volley bid vs Falcons

MANILA, Philippines - The UAAP hopes to sustain its blockbuster showing in volleyball last year as it unwraps its Season 76 hostilities on Dec. 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with an explosive opener highlighted by the debut of four-peat-seeking De La Salle. 

The DLSU Lady Spikers launch their bid against dark horse Adamson U in the 4 p.m. main game following  an interesting matchup between National U, a fancied team parading twin towers Dindin and Jaja Santiago, and last year’s runner-up Ateneo, a squad loaded with greenhorns following the graduation of its “Fab 5,” at 2 p.m.

Men’s action also blasts off on the same day, with holders National U Bulldogs locking horns with 2012 third-placers La Salle at 10 a.m. and last year’s runner-up Far Eastern battling Adamson in the curtain raiser at 8:30 p.m.

Despite losing Michele Gumabao, who opted to waive her final year of eligibility, and Wensh Tiu and libero Melissa Gohing, who both used up their playing years, the DLSU Lady Spikers are still tipped as the team to beat with Season 75 co-Most Valuable Players Abigail Maraño, and Ara Galang and Kim Fajardo back for another shot at the coveted title.

Not to be taken lightly are the Lady Falcons led by Sheila Pineda, Marleen Cortel, Faye Guevara, Amanda Villanueva and Mayette Zapanta, a defense-oriented bunch determined to make heir mark for the host university. 

The NU Lady Bulldogs are tipped to create waves this season with towering sisters Dindin (six-foot-four) and Jaja (six-foot-five) anchoring their bid. The sisters gave a glimpse of things to come when they teamed up to lead NU to an off-season tournament earlier this year.

Their opening-day rival Ateneo, however, does not really rank high on everyone’s list this year, owing to a lineup depleted by the graduation of Fille Cainglet, Dzi Gervacio, Gretchen Ho, Jem Ferrer and Aillysse Nacachi. Power-hitting Alyssa Valdez is left to carry the fight for the Lady Eagles, who are now in Thailand for training.

The rest of the field will see action on Dec. 4 at the Filoil Flying V Arena. Newly-crowned Unigames champion Santo Tomas collides with University of the Philippines at 2 p.m., after which Far Eastern and University of the East mix it up at 4 p.m.

The league enjoyed a successful volleyball tournament last season, highlighted by a record crowd of 19,638 fans who witnessed the finals showdown between Ateneo and La Salle at the Mall of Asia Arena.