Games today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

1 p.m. — FEU vs NU (m)

5 p.m. — NU vs La Salle (w)

The mouthwatering matchup starring National University (NU) and De La Salle University plays out today in Game 1 of their best-of-three title series in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

NU and La Salle renew their intense finals showdown at 5 p.m. marking the third time in the last four seasons

Lady Bulldogs and the Lady Spikers are battling for the crown, with each school holding one title from their past finals encounters.

NU triumphed in Season 84 via an historic 16-0 sweep that ended a 65-year title drought, while La Salle bounced back in Season 85 to reclaim the championship.

Now, the Lady Bulldogs are aiming to win back-to-back titles for the first time in school history, while the Lady Spikers are eyeing their 13th UAAP crown in their 21st finals appearance.

“We all know NU is a solid team. Most of their players have been playing together since high school and their chemistry and experience are deep,” La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus said.

“We just have to be fully prepared. I still have a lot of things to fix with the team, but if we can execute what we practiced, I believe we’ll have a big chance.”

Leading the Lady Spikers’ charge are Angel Canino and Shevana Laput, while rookie setter Mikole Reyes will be put to the test under the bright lights of the finals.

On the other side, NU head coach Sherwin Meneses is hoping for a clean bill of health for his Lady Bulldogs, particularly for his veterans who are eager to end their collegiate careers on a high note.

“It’s an advantage to have seniors on the team, but I told them we have to make sure we survive this one-week preparation without any injuries,” Meneses said.

“We have to be healthy entering the finals to give ourselves the best shot at defending the crown.”

Reigning Most Valuable Player Bella Belen, scoring machine Alyssa Solomon, and steady setter Lams Lamina will lead NU’s campaign as they attempt to finish strong against a familiar foe.

Though the Lady Bulldogs swept La Salle in the elimination round, Meneses stressed that the finals are a whole different ball game.

Meanwhile, the curtain-raising NU-Far Eastern University men’s race-to-two showdown kicks off at 1 p.m.

The Bulldogs, seeking their sixth straight title, boast a new core led by Buds Buddin and Leo Aringo.

The Tamaraws, making their first finals appearance since Season 81 in 2019 — the last team to win the crown before NU’s reign — are aiming to bring the title back to Morayta. They are also the only team to have handed the Bulldogs a defeat this season.