MANILA -- The University of the Philippines is set to begin its quest for a fifth UAAP softball championship as the tournament returns to the historic Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium on Tuesday.

As the season hosts and back-to-back runners-up, the Fighting Maroons will open their campaign against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles at 12:30 p.m.

Leading the charge is Season 85 Athlete of the Year and team captain Nickole Dela Cruz.

After years of coming up short, UP is determined to finally claim the crown it last held back in Season 70 (2008), and head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan believes his squad is ready to take on the challenge.

"Mas prepared kami this season compared do'n sa past two seasons. Malaking bagay 'yung pagsali namin sa Makassar Open kasi na-gauge ko 'yung mga players kung hanggang saan 'yung kaya nila," said Pagkaliwagan, emphasizing how their international exposure has helped shape the team’s mindset after back-to-back runner-up finishes.

With Dela Cruz at the helm, alongside seniors like pitcher KC Valino and former RP Blu Girl Danica Aquino, UP retains a formidable roster eager for redemption.

"Siyempre, as a player, importante 'yung maturity. Malaking factor 'yung experience na na-gain ng mga players ko for the past two seasons. And meron ding mga rookies na nag-step up na pwedeng makadagdag sa pwersa namin this season," Pagkaliwagan added.

Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Softbelles, the last team to win the championship before Adamson University’s dynastic reign, will open its campaign against a determined De La Salle University Lady Batters squad at 10 a.m.

Defending champion Adamson University, seeking an unprecedented 12th consecutive title, received an opening-day bye and will begin their season against UST on March 1 (Saturday) at 10 a.m. Later that day, the Blue Eagles and the Lady Batters will clash at 12:30 p.m.