Games today:
(Mall of Asia Arena)
9 a.m. — La Salle vs UST (m)
11 a.m. — Adamson vs UE (m)
1 p.m. — Adamson vs UE (w)
5 p.m. — La Salle vs UST (w)
Bitter rivals De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas (UST) renew their fancied rivalry as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 volleyball tournament continues Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
La Salle and UST’s men’s and women’s teams take the spotlight in the day’s four-game bill even as Adamson University and the University of the East (UE) battle for redemption in a separate showdown between two squads in search of their first win.
La Salle is on a mission to keep its winning streak alive as it clashes with UST, the very same team that denied the Taft-based spikers a chance to defend their title last season in the Final Four.
Rising star Angel Canino will be at the forefront of La Salle’s bid to take down a powerhouse team.
“We had so many realizations as a team and as individuals that helped us regain ourselves and the confidence we have.”
Head coach Ramil de Jesus echoed the same sentiments, emphasizing that their previous loss fueled the team’s hunger for redemption.
“In our first game, we lacked self-belief,” said the multi-titled mentor.
“From the challenges we went through [against National University], the kids learned that they need to overcome the pressure.”
Meanwhile, UST is also eager to improve on its recent performance and assistant coach Yani Fernandez admits that despite their victory, there are still areas that need refining.
“A win is a win. We saw the lapses, and we will work on them. There are many lapses that need polishing for our game on Wednesday (against La Salle).”
With both teams standing at 1-1 in the win-loss column, the showdown will be pivotal in securing a better position in the standings.
Golden Tigresses’ Regina Jurado and Season 86 Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos, who impressed in their previous match, will be key players against La Salle’s relentless attack.
‘A win is a win. We saw the lapses, and we will work on them.’
In the first game of the women’s division, The Lady Falcons, led by their super rookie Shaina Nitura, are looking to bounce back from their heartbreaking loss to the Lady Spikers last weekend.
With UE still searching for its first win, Adamson is determined to take advantage of the opportunity.
“The season is not over yet. We want more for the team — not individually, but for the team. We got a taste of victory, and we’re going to be hungry for more,” Nitura said.
The men’s division opens the day at 9 a.m. with an anticipated battle between La Salle and UST, both coming off victories and holding 1-1 records.
The absence of reigning Most Valuable Player Josh Ybañez for the Golden Spikers will be a key factor as the squad will have to find ways to contain the Green Spikers’ Noel Kampton, who exploded for 24 points in their recent win against Adamson.
With both teams looking to carry their momentum forward, expect a hard-fought contest between two determined squads.
At 11 a.m., the Soaring Falcons and the Red Warriors will battle in search of their first victory this season.
UE, on a nine-game losing skid dating back to Season 86, is desperate to break the drought, while Adamson, which finished sixth last season, aims to prove its true worth.
With redemption and momentum at stake, expect an action-packed UAAP volleyball matchday at MOA Arena, where teams will fight for pride, positioning, and an early upper hand in the season.