UAAP ladies’ volleyball on

MANILA, Philippines — Last year’s runner-up Far Eastern University and a team that made noise in the off-season   – the University of the Philippines –  will see action against separate foes as the UAAP season 81 women’s volleyball gets going today at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

The Lady Tamaraws, now without star Bernadeth Pons and libero Kyla Atienza who both exhausted their playing years, take on a rookie-laden National University Lady Bulldogs, who also lost last year’s MVP Jaja Santiago to graduation, at 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Lady Maroons, coming off a successful pre-season campaign that saw them take two titles -- first the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference crown that ended a 36-year long wait for a major title which they followed up with a Philippine Superliga Collegiate Grand Slam diadem, look to sustain the winning run against the University of the East Lady Warriors, who for their part also secured a confidence-boosting third place finish in the PSL CGS.

Match is at 2 p.m.

UE rookie coach Karl Dimaculangan said the Lady Warriors are all set as they take the first step toward their goal this season which is to showcase what they have been practicing and to win as many games as possible.

“I think we are ready physically and mentally. During pre-season games, I already noticed that they are more confident in their movements and they are braver,” said Dimaculangan, who noted his team’s improvement in service reception and defense.

“Winning bronze in the PSL CGS is a great boost in the players’ confidence and they realized that they can also win a podium finish. Hopefully, we will be able to bring that confidence and win in the UAAP too.”

Graduating Kath Arado, last season’s best receiver and best digger and the PSL CGS and All-Filipino Conference best libero, spearheads the Lady Warriors’ charge as they try to make up for the loss of veteran Shaya Adorador.

Mary Mendrez and Laizah Bendong, the PSL-CGS second Best Outside Hitter and Best Setter. respectively, Judith Abil and Sel Baliton will also carry the fight for the Lady Warriors.