THE University Athletic Association of the Philippines kicks off the highly anticipated volleyball season with four teams opening hostilities on Saturday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
University of the Philippines and University of the East (UE) collide at 2 p.m., while last year’s Final Four protagonists Far Eastern University and National University clash at 4 p.m.
The Lady Fighting Maroons finished Season 80 with 6-8 won-lost record to narrowly miss the semifinals at joint fifth to sixth spots with the Lady Falcons. UP capped the regular season with a three-game winning streak but missed the Final Four to an NU squad that fared better with a 7-7 card. The Lady Maroons eye a solid campaign this season with Isa Molde at the forefront of the battle, along with Tots Carlos and Ayel Estrañero.
The Lady Warriors showed a semblance of a fight last season by winning two of their 14 matches to bring up the rear in the standings.
Libero Kath Arado hopes to make things work for UE, with Judith Abil Mean Mendrez carrying out the supporting role.
The season starts with a bang early as arch-rivals De La Salle and Ateneo de Manila clash on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Spikers, who have won the last three seasons, and the two-time champion Lady Eagles take the floor at 4 p.m.
Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas clash at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
De La Salle looked unstoppable in Season 80 with a league-leading 12-2 record in the eliminations before beating NU in the Final Four and FEU in the Finals.
Ateneo, on the other hand, finished third with a 9-5 record.