Games today:

(Mall of Asia Arena)

9 a.m. — NU vs Adamson (m)

11 a.m. — Ateneo vs La Salle (m)

1 p.m. — NU vs Adamson (w)

3 p.m. — Ateneo vs La Salle (w)

Undefeated National University (NU) tests the mettle of Adamson University’s prized recruit as the Lady Bulldogs attempt to keep its domination in play in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Bulldogs, riding high on a perfect 5-0 record, aim to extend their streak and inch closer to a first-round sweep.

Leading NU’s charge is reigning Most Valuable Player Bella Belen, who will go head-to-head against Adamson’s promising rookie, Shaina Nitura, in their 1 p.m. encounter.

Alyssa Solomon, Celine Marsh, and Erin Pangilinan will continue to provide crucial support for the defending champions.

Solomon, who recently declared for the 2025 KOVO Asian Quota Draft, is determined to make the most of her final playing year with NU.

Adamson, meanwhile, is eager to bounce back from back-to-back losses, including a tough setback against Far Eastern University that dropped the Lady Falcons to sixth place with a 2-3 slate.

Nitura, Adamson’s leading scorer, will once again team up with Frances Mordi in the hopes of pulling off a stunning upset.

In another highly anticipated clash, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University rekindle their storied rivalry in the women’s division at 3 p.m.

Ateneo (1-4) is facing an uphill battle, especially after losing another key player, Sobe Buena, to injury.

The Blue Eagles have already been depleted by the season-ending injuries of wing spikers Jlo Delos Santos and Geezel Tsunashima.

Despite the setbacks, Ateneo will rely on Lyann De Guzman and AC Miner to keep their hopes alive.

La Salle, on the other hand, is building momentum after securing its second consecutive win.

With Angel Canino leading the charge, the Lady Spikers are determined to extend their winning streak to three and continue their dominance over Ateneo, having won their last 14 meetings.

Action begins at 9 a.m. in the men’s division as reigning champion NU squares off against Adamson.

The Bulldogs, gunning for their fifth win, are determined to stay on top of the standings.

Head coach Dante Alinsunurin remains confident in his team’s ability to execute under pressure.

“I told them that whenever we face a tough situation, we should go back to the basics and just enjoy what we’re doing,” Alinsunurin said.

“Every time we do something good, we should celebrate it because, in some way, it helps boost each other’s confidence.”

Adamson, still in search of consistency, is eager to secure its second win of the season and pull off an upset over the defending champions.

At 11 a.m., Ateneo (3-2) faces La Salle (3-2) in another crucial men’s volleyball showdown.

The Blue Eagles are coming off an impressive victory against University of Santo Tomas, snapping the latter’s four-game winning streak. jason mago

With both teams holding identical records, the winner of this match will gain a significant advantage in the standings as they push for a strong finish in the first round.