Games today:

(Mall of Asia Arena)

9 a.m. — UE vs UP (m)

11 a.m. — FEU vs La Salle (m)

1 p.m. — UE vs UP (w)

3 p.m. — FEU vs La Salle (w)

Red-hot taraflex action spices up Valentine’s Day as the much-awaited University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 volleyball tournament unfurls today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Last year’s runner-up De La Salle University begins its redemption bid against an equally dangerous Far Eastern University in the women’s tournament opening day main feature slated at 3 p.m.

Bannered by Alas Pilipinas members in former Most Valuable Player (MVP) Angel Canino and middle blocker Amie Provido, the Lady Spikers are marching into their mission to reclaim the title they last held three years ago with a winning mentality.

La Salle, which was swept by reigning back-to-back champion National University in the finals last season, will also see a more mature Shevana Laput, who has been named team captain, and Season 87 Best Libero Lyka De Leon leading the Ramil De Jesus-mentored squad.

The Lady Spikers are coming into the season as a puzzle for opponents after opting to skip preseason tournaments and keep their buildup under wraps.

Although La Salle has the scouting advantage over the Lady Tamaraws, who joined tournaments as part of their build up, beating a team as tough as FEU won’t be easy.

“There’s no easy opponent this year. Each team will be a challenge,” Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orculo said.

“New coaches are coming in, bringing with them their new system. So, you must prepare well against every team. Winning games will be a challenge.”

The veteran-laden Lady Tamaraws are no pushover team with seasoned setter Tin Ubaldo, Ann Asis, Faida Bakanke, Gerzel Petallo, Mitzi Panangin, Alyzza Devosora, towering Jaz Elarina and Alas member Cla Loresco back stronger and more mature.

“I feel like we’re not a rebuilding unlike other teams. Despite the departure of our seniors (Jean Asis, Chenie Tagaod and Ann Monares) from last year, we still have the same core that is familiar with the system,” Ubaldo said.

FEU had a successful preseason, winning the Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals Batangas Leg, winning third in the Preseason Unity Cup and a runner-up finish in the V-League Collegiate Challenge.

“What just leveled up our system for this season,” added Ubaldo, who seeks to bring FEU to the finals for the first time in eight years on her last dance.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons are under a new system with Italian head coach Fabio Menta.

UP, which ended up tied at fifth to sixth with Adamson University last season, is banking on veteran Nina Ytang, Irah Jaboneta, and Kianne Olango to lead the way.

Transferees Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, and Kizzie Madriaga will be suiting up for the Fighting Maroons after completing their one-year residency, making their debut against no less than their former team.

The Lady Warriors will showcase 11 rookies, with skipper Van Bangayan, Khy Cepada, and libero Angge Reyes guiding the young crew of new mentor Jumbo Dimaculangan.

In men’s play, FEU seeks rebound from a heartbreaking finals loss to five-peat champion NU, opening its redemption campaign against La Salle at 11 a.m.

Kicking off the first Valentine’s Day playdate of the league in eight year are UP and UE at 9 a.m.