New coach Sherwin Meneses is confident the National University Lady Bulldogs are capable of defending their title in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

Meneses, also a multi-titled coach in the Premier Volleyball League, said he is trying his best to have his young wards adjust to his system easily while maintaining the team’s winning culture.

“Time lang ang makakapagsabi, pero we’ll try as fast as we can, so as of now, nakaka-adapt naman sila,” said Meneses.

“Let’s see na lang yung mga results. Siguro mahaba naman itong UAAP (Season)... pero as of now I think ready na yung NU. Pero about culture, may sariling culture ang NU eh, so dapat i-maintain ‘yon,” he added.

Meneses is filling in the shoes vacated by Norman Miguel, who stepped down as head tactician in August last year.

It was a breath of fresh air for Meneses, who is returning to the collegiate scene since last handling his alma mater, the Adamson Lady Falcons, from 2012 to 2016, under then stars Jema Galanza, Mylene Paat and Bang Pineda.

Also a coach of Creamline in the pro ranks, Meneses said he also had his collegiate stalwarts train alongside the Cool Smashers.

“Syempre, pag hindi conflict ang schedule, nagco-cross training sila every game, so lagi naman ‘yon,” Meneses said.

He and the Lady Bulldogs open their campaign on Sunday, Feb. 16, when they face Angel Canino and the De La Salle Lady Spikers at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Out to banner his crew are Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon and Arah Panique.

“Sabi ko nga kanina past na ‘yong champion eh, iba na ‘yong level ng volleyball ngayon. I think ‘yong advantage namin talaga is nandito parin ‘yong mga seniors,” Meneses said.

“Pero about sa skill, pare-pareho lang, let’s see,” he added.