Reigning champion National University will be marching with fire in their eyes when they compete in the women's volleyball competition of Season 85 University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Bella Belen said they remain hungry and focused entering the new season, entering that other teams like De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University and University of Santo Tomas are out to knock the crown off their heads.

Despite the departure of middle blocker Ivy Lacsina, the Lady Bulldogs remain a force to be reckoned with as the Belen, Ces Robles, Jen Nierva welcome the arrival of promising rookies.

They won the Season 84 crown with a flawless 14-0 record and Belen — the Most Valuable Player last year — stressed that they remain hungry for glory.

"We have a very good team this year and we won't be satisfied with what we have achieved in the past. We still want something to achieve," said the 20-year-old Belen, who had stint with the national women's volleyball team.

"We're excited for this season because this is another chance for us to show what we can do."

Robles said they may have some new players, but chemistry and familiarity will not be a problem.

"Our rookies also came from Nazareth (School of National University) so they are easy to handle. We both have the same system so they are already familiar when they join us in college."

Robles said rookies like Vangie Alinsug, Myrtle Escanlar and Jazlyn Ellarina as well as sophomore Alyssa Solomon are adjusting really well after getting exposure in the Shakey's Super League Collegiate Preseason Championship last year.

"I can see Alyssa improving really well as she became faster," Robles, the finals MVP last season, said.

"Also improving were Vangie, Myrtle and Jazlyn. I have a feeling that they will perform well this season. In fact, there were preseason games where they played better than us."