University of the Philippines and Ateneo clash in a battle of Katipunan teams while Adamson and University of the East eye bounce-back victories on Saturday, March 22, at the start of the second-round hostilities in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Fighting Maroons seek a follow-up of their five-set win over the Adamson Lady Falcons in their 4 p.m. showdown with the Blue Eagles to hike their 3-4 win-loss record and preserve their hold of the fifth spot.

Ateneo, likewise, aims to sustain its momentum after scoring a five-set win over UE in its bid to crawl out near the cellar and improve its 2-5 card.

Lyann De Guzman and AC Miner are expected to lead the Blue Eagles, but expect stiff resistance from the Fighting Maroons’ frontline headed by Irah Jaboneta, Nina Ytang, Joan Monares and Kianne Olango.

Apart from trying to catch up in the standings, Ateneo also targets to duplicate its 25-18, 25-22, 25-18 victory over UP in its first meeting last Feb. 23.

That would be easier said than done as the Fighting Maroons hope to display a more aggressive approach in their matches in this crucial stretch of of the tournament.

“We’re still fixing or finalizing kung anong pwede naming magawa na effective na system… sa offense and defense… so hopefully ma-address namin yun going into the second round,” said UP coach Benson Bocboc.

The same holds true for Adamson and UE both try to pick up as many wins as possible to sustain their respective campaigns.

Despite parading a super rookie in Shai Nitura, the Lady Falcons found themselves near the cellar with a 2-5 slate -- no thanks to a four-game losing skid.

Nitura is expected to be in front of their assault anew after a historic 38-point output the last time, and is set to get reinforcements from Barbie Jamili, Mayang Nuique and Frances Mordi.

The Lady Warriors, for their part, have yet to barge into the winning column after dropping all their seven assignments in the first round but remain optimistic with Khy Cepada, Nessa Bangayan and Kayce Balingit.

In men’s action, Adamson and UE duke it out at 10 a.m. while UP and Ateneo battle at 12 noon.