LA SALLE and National University put their women’s and men’s championships on the line when the UAAP volleyball tournaments opens this weekend at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Gunning for a 13th title, coach Noel Orcullo wanted to see the Lady Spikers to remain focused now that the team is the new target from the rest of the field.

“Lagi naming sinasabi sa kanila na huwag tayo makuntento na nag-champion tayo. We’re facing the new season so we have to prepare double time. We’re the defending champion so all teams are after us. Mas mahirap mag-defend ng championship kesa maghabol,” said Orcullo, who represented head coach Ramil de Jesus during yesterday’s presser.

La Salle have lost Jolina dela Cruz, Fifi Sharma, Mars Alba and libero Justine Jazareno, but the Taft-based side still has Shevanna Laput, Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel and Lyka de Leon to fill up the gaps by those who graduated or departed to turn pro.

Five new coaches will enter the women’s side with Ateneo’s Sergio Veloso, Adamson’s JP Yude, University of the East’s Jerry Yee, Far Eastern University’s Manolo Refugia, and University of the Philippines’ Oliver Almadro aiming to crash the Final Four.

The Bulldogs, for their part, are seeking a four-peat with Owa Retamar, Nico Almendras, Obed Mukaba and Mike Buddin leading the charge. Kenry Malinis, a key player from last season’s championship run, is not returning this year.

“Sa NU naman, lagi naming kino-continue kung ano yung goal namin every year. Lagi naming nire-remind sa mga players kung ano ang dapat gawin,” said coach Dante Alinsunurin.

With last season’s runner-up University of Santo Tomas winning the PNVF Challenge Cup, Adamson emerging victorious in the Unigames, and La Salle bagging the V-League crown, the Bulldogs are bracing for a tough challenge.

“Sa ngayon, ang NU ay ready na sa UAAP. Mas magiging exciting ang mga games ng men’s ngayon,” said Alinsunurin.

Mike Verano, the second-year volleyball commissioner, is looking forward for a competitive season.

“The spotlight should be on the athletes,” said Verano.

Games will be held every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday with two men’s games and two women’s games on the lineup for each day. The men’s matches begin at 10 a.m., while women’s action will commence at 2 p.m. at the earliest.

The league’s second semester will not only showcase centerpiece volleyball but also feature football, baseball, softball, fencing, tennis, 3×3 basketball, exhibition events in esports, and a demonstration event for junior high school basketball, providing a diverse array of sporting experiences for fans.

“The UAAP continues to evolve, and we are thrilled to present a dynamic second-semester sports lineup. These events showcase the talent, determination, and sportsmanship of our student-athletes.

We invite fans to join us on this exciting journey and witness the incredible feats that our universities bring to the playing fields,” said Season 86 President Rod Roque of host UE.

Cignal TV and MediaQuest President and CEO Jane J. Basas said there will be a full television/livestream coverage of women’s football aside from the men’s competition, aside from the airing of the Finals of baseball and softball.

“We are excited to continue our commitment to bringing top-notch sports entertainment to Filipino homes. Following the unprecedented coverage of the high school volleyball and basketball tournaments, we are thrilled to extend our partnership with the UAAP to deliver the collegiate volleyball excitement to a wider audience on multiple platforms,” Basas said.