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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Lady Bulldogs seek three-peat; NU men's team tries to extend reign in Season 88

Lady Bulldogs seek three-peat; NU men's team tries to extend reign in Season 88

Published Feb 11, 2026 03:40 pm

At A Glance

  • Defending champion National University vowed to display its championship caliber minus the presence of its former stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon as the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament unfolds at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday, Feb. 14.
La Salle deputy Noel Orcullo, from left, FEU coach Tina Salak, Adamson’s JP Yude, Ateneo’s Sergio Veloso, UAAP volleyball commissioner Michael Verano, NU’s Regine Diego, UST’s Shaq Delos Santos, UP’s Fabio Menta, and UE’s Jumbo Dimaculangan. (UAAP Media)
La Salle deputy Noel Orcullo, from left, FEU coach Tina Salak, Adamson’s JP Yude, Ateneo’s Sergio Veloso, UAAP volleyball commissioner Michael Verano, NU’s Regine Diego, UST’s Shaq Delos Santos, UP’s Fabio Menta, and UE’s Jumbo Dimaculangan. (UAAP Media)
Defending champion National University vowed to display its championship caliber minus the presence of its former stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon as the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament unfolds at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday, Feb. 14.
With Belen and Solomon, as well as Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring, fulfilling their academic duties, the Lady Bulldogs, who still have plenty of weapons left, go for their third straight title under their newly minted head coach Regine Diego.
Diego said she is no stranger to working with the reigning back-to-back champion NU and emphasized that the team isn’t starting from scratch but from a championship foundation that it has from last edition.
“We just have to work as a team, and we have to gel, because Bella [Belen’s] time sa NU as tapos na, ‘yong era nya matagal na proseso ‘yon. Again, we will start from scratch, but it isn't new but we will start again as champions,” said Diego.
“I don’t feel like I’m new, I've been with them before, I’m excited to share the court with everyone and defend the title this season,” added Diego, who succeeded Sherwin Meneses’ role during the offseason.
The Lady Bulldogs open their bid against the Detdet Pepito-led University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses at 3 p.m., following the game between Shai Nitura and Adamson and Ateneo at 1 p.m.
Sunday games will be highlighted by the 3 p.m. clash of Far Eastern University and last season’s bridesmaid De La Salle. University of the Philippines and University of the East tangle at 1 p.m.
Last year’s MVPs Shaira Jardio and Vange Alinsug banner the pack with fresh faces added to the roster, including promising rookie Sam Cantada.
The 18-year-old Cantada is one of the rising stars that is expected to bring fire in the already competitive UAAP women’s field.
“Siguro po ngayon grabe ‘yong pressure sakin, kasi first year ko and makakalaban ko mga college na po, pero hindi naman sya sobrang hirap kung iisa lang po kami sa court,” said Cantada.
“Okay naman po ‘yong chemistry namin, everyone is trying their best… ‘yon din po ‘yong goal. ‘Di naman po mawawala ‘yong pressure… pero ready naman po kami i-overcome ‘yon kahit ‘di sya madali,” she added.
Meanwhile, the NU Bulldogs, who will be spearheaded by Buds Buddin, begin their four-peat quest against UST also Sunday.
“We really prepared for this season, ready na po ulit kami i-defend ‘yong title namin and this would be an exciting season for all the teams,” said head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
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