DEFENDING champion Ateneo opens defense of its crowns against National University and University of Santo Tomas, as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 78 volleyball tournament begins on Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
Two-time Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez play the first game of her farewell season against the Roger Gorayeb-coached Lady Bulldogs in the 4 p.m. match.
University of the East and University of the Philippines, last season’s cellar dwellers, square off in the first women’s match at 2 p.m.
The Blue Eagles take on the Tigers as they start defending their men’s crown at 10 a.m. Far Eastern University and UP take the floor in the season opener at 8 a.m.
Matches will also be played at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on February 3 and February 6, and at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on February 10, highlighted by the clashes between the Lady Bulldogs and De La Salle Lady Spikers and the Lady Tamaraws and Lady Eagles.
The Ateneo-De La Salle women’s showdown will be on February 27 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.