Reigning champion National University gets an early test when it battles Ateneo de Manila University in the opening salvo of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women's volleyball tournament.

Powered by an intact roster, the Lady Bulldogs will face a determined Blue Eagles squad in the second game of the opening-day doubleheader on 25 February at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Former national team members Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Sheena Toring and Jen Nierva will banner the Lady Bulldogs, who reigned supreme in the previous season with a perfect 16-0 sweep.

They will be stacked against a rock-solid Blue Eagles squad that is powered by Season 84 second Best Outside Spiker Faith Nisperos.

Aside from the UAAP, the Lady Bulldogs also triumphed in the inaugural staging of the Shakey's Super League Collegiate Preseason Championship last year, giving them massive confidence heading into the brand-new season.

The Blue Eagles, for their part, clinched the crown in the V-League Collegiate Challenge following a masterful conquest of heavy contended Adamson University.

The Lady Falcons will also see action on the opening day with renewed confidence.

They, for one, will parade a new mentor in Jerry Yee when they collide with University of the east in the first encounter.

The following day, University of the Philippines will clash with Far Eastern University in the first game while De La Salle University will confront University of Santo Tomas in the second game at the Mall of Asia Arena.