De La Salle University is out with a vengeance to reclaim the title it unceremoniously lost last year.

Using their stinging early exit in the Final Four, the Lady Spikers are equipped with sharper arrows this time aiming at a return to glory in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament unfurling today.

“Hopefully we’ll have a better result this time,” La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo said.

Redemption is the 12-time champion Lady Spikers’ battle cry this year after receiving the boot in last season’s semis against twice-to-beat and eventual runner-up University of Santo Tomas.

“That’s what we’ve been telling the kids: We have to bounce back. What happened last year wasn’t the result we wanted. Use that as motivation to redeem yourselves this year,” the long-time deputy of multi-titled mentor Ramil de Jesus said.

La Salle spent the offseason building up its firepower and integrating new faces into its system following the departure of veterans Thea Gagate, main setter Julia Coronel, Maicah Larroza and Leila Cruz.

Bannered by holdovers former Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player Angel Canino, whose talent is further honed by playing international volleyball ball with the Alas Pilipinas, and Shevana Laput, the future looks bright for the Lady Spikers.

Other key players returning for the green and white are Aleiah Malaluan, Jynne Soreno, Lilay Del Castillo and Julyana Tolentino. US NCAA Division 1 wing spiker Jillian Santos, Shane Reterta, Mikole Reyes, Ela Raagas and Jessa Ordiales are all looking to make an impact in their debut season.

“The progression of our preparation is going very well. Hopefully, we’ll sustain the improvement and the new players will quickly adapt to the system of coach Ramil,” Orcullo said.