Decorated mentor Sherwin Meneses hopes to bring the same magic and success he had in the professional ranks as he guides reigning champion National University in the University Athletic Association (NU) of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, which will kick off next month.

Tapped last July to take over the coaching reins from Norman Miguel, the multi-titled Creamline tactician will return to the league nine years after he called the shots for Adamson University.

“This is a big challenge. For me, the UAAP has the most exciting competition especially we’re talking about school by school, pride will be at stake,” said Meneses, who guided the Cool Smashers to seven Premier Volleyball League (PVL) titles since his appointment as head coach in 2022.

“I came from that league, so I know very well how competitive each school is, so I’m excited to be back in the UAAP.”

All eyes will be on the Lady Bulldogs after a successful 2024 campaign.

Parading an intact lineup with the return of top stars two-time Most Valuable Player Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Lams Lamina, Vange Alinsug, Sheena Toring and Arah Panique, NU remains to be the team to beat heading into the much-anticipated UAAP second semester centerpiece event.

And with the addition of the winning system of Meneses, the Lady Bulldogs now have a surefire formula for success.

In fact, NU gave the competition a glimpse of what it packs come the varsity volleyball wars.

Meneses steered the Lady Bulldogs to a historic grand slam in the Shakey’s Super League after ruling the Collegiate Pre-season Championship months following their perfect run in the National Invitationals under Miguel.

It was NU’s third straight tournament crown in the SSL it won at the expense of archrival De La Salle University.

“Our goal is to improve NU’s champion team. Hopefully, we’ll sustain the momentum heading into the UAAP. Our target is to elevate NU’s game so they’ll be able to unleash their full potential,” said Meneses, who in 2024 completed the PVL’s first-ever grand slam after the Cool Smashers ruled the All-Filipino, Reinforced and Invitational conferences.

The tactician added that infusing his system to the squad composed of the league’s brightest talents was seamless.

“Actually, I’m just infusing my system little by little. NU already has an established program. We’re just trying to improve on that,” Meneses said.

“Hopefully, we could combine my system with that of NU to form a stronger system. The UAAP will be our biggest test.”

Meneses mentioned NU having an important similarity with Creamline.

“I guess the attitude of the players, because NU is very competitive just like Creamline. That’s the No. 1 factor for a successful team, from bench player to star player. That’s the great thing I see in this team, they show teamwork,” he said.

However, Meneses and the Lady Bulldogs are sure to encounter tough resistance from a competitive field.

The Lady Spikers, for one, are raring to reclaim the throne they lost last year after coming up short in the Final Four against eventual runner-up University of Santo Tomas.

Alas Pilipinas standout and former Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player Angel Canino and Shevana Laput will be back for La Salle’s redemption bid while the Golden Tigresses will be bannered by Angge Poyos, Regina Jurado and top setter Cassie Carballo.

Far Eastern University, which NU eliminated in last season’s semis, is also out for revenge with Chenie Tagaod, Faida Bakanke, Alyzza Devosora, Jean Asis and ace playmaker Tin Ubaldo returning.

Other squads also beefed up their rosters with key recruitments during the offseason.