Ateneo starts title defense vs National U

Alyssa Valdez vs NU blockers. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Volleyball star Alyssa Valdez vies for a grand exit as Ateneo kicks off its bid for a third straight championship in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament this Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Eagles clash with National University at 4 p.m. with Valdez expected to make the most out of his fifth and final playing year.

Amy Ahomiro, Jho Maraguinot, Bea de Leon and setter Jia Morado also return to help the Lady Eagles’ campaign along with Thai coach Tai Bundit.

The Lady Bulldogs, though, hope to play spoiler right on opening day with towering talent Jaja Santiago together with Myla Pablo, Jorelle Singh, Ivy Perez and much-improved libero Bia General.

University of the Philippines, boasting a formidable rookie class, tangles with University of the East in the curtain-raiser at 2 p.m.

Looking to reach the Final Four this season, the Lady Maroons aim to bank on Kathy Bersola, Nicole Tiamzon and topnotch rookies Isa Molde, Justine Dorog and Diana Carlos.

In men’s action, Ateneo also starts its back-to-back championship bid versus University of Santo Tomas at 10 a.m., right after the Far Eastern University and UP collide at 8 a.m.

The next women’s playdate is set on Feb. 3 with last season’s runner-up La Salle tackling FEU at 4 p.m. at Philsports Arena. UST, bannered by EJ Laure, takes on Adamson in the first game at 2 p.m.