Angel Canino of La Salle, Nica Celis of UP, Detdet Pepito of UST, and Bella Belen of NU during the media launch of UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball on February 13, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Photos from UAAP Media

MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament will have its first serve on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasig City.

But, before the highly-anticipated clash of volleybelles, let’s take a look at how the eight teams have prepared for the country's top collegiate volleyball competition. 

NU Lady Bulldogs

NU star Bella Belen. UAAP Media

The defending champions are here with some new tricks. Coming off a 3-peat Shakey's Super League pre-season championship and a successful international club tournament stint, the NU Lady Bulldogs will have to defy the heavy expectations on their shoulders. Led by their new tactician, multi-titled PVL coach Sherwin Meneses, the team is expected to execute a faster and stronger system this season. 

READ: Sherwin Meneses takes over as shot-caller for NU Lady Bulldogs

The team boasts a star-studded lineup led by two-time Season MVP Bella Belen and Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon, alongside veteran players Erin Pangilinan, Camilla Lamina, Sheena Toring, and Vange Alinsug. All eyes are set on them as they try to defend the crown against a stronger competition this season.

READ: UAAP: Chemistry, continuity a premium for Belen as NU gears up for title-retention bid

Belen, for her part, eyes a triumphant last dance as she is set to exit the UAAP after this playing season.

READ: NU's Bella Belen says Season 87 is her final playing year in UAAP

Will it finally be a bark to bark championship for the NU Lady Bulldogs?

UST Golden Tigresses

UST's Detdet Pepito. UAAP Media

Last season’s runners-up are coming out of their den with an injury-laden squad. The UST Golden Tigresses will miss the service of open spikers Jonah Perdido and Xyza Gula, who are both recuperating from their respective injuries. With this, coach Kungfu Reyes will have to look for support from his rookies, led by Marga Altea.

READ: UAAP: Coach Kungfu optimistic UST rookies will step up in place of injured Tigresses

Libero-captain Detdet Pepito will steer the new-look Tigresses this season. She will be aided by last season’s Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos, Best Setter Cassie Carballo, and opposite hitter Reg Jurado. 

Will the Tigresses imprint a golden mark this season?

DLSU Lady Spikers

La Salle's Angel Canino. UAAP Media

The historic program from Taft is fueled by redemption this year. After faltering in their title defense, the DLSU Lady Spikers are drawing strength from their heartbreaking campaign last season. Team captain Angel Canino, who missed some of their games due to an injury, is ready to take on a much bigger role for her squad.

Despite the departure of 3-time best middle blocker Thea Gagate, the Lady Spikers are banking on the chemistry built from their local and international stints. With a revitalized mindset, Canino, Laput, Malalauan, Soreño and the rest of the Lady Spikers are ready to reclaim their throne this season.

READ: Jillian Santos comes back to UAAP, bolsters La Salle

The Taft-based squad will also have Jillian Santos, a returning opposite spiker, at its disposal.

Will the Lady Spikers be able to return to the top? 

FEU Lady Tamaraws

FEU WVB coach Tina Salak. UAAP Media

Charging towards the crown are last year’s fourth placers, the FEU Lady Tamaraws. The spirited run of this squad last season was nothing short of impressive, but this time, they are aiming for more. With the return of Tina Salak at the helm, the team is bringing in an intact lineup and the same Tamaraw spirit.

Fresh from a Thailand camp, senior setter Tin Ubaldo will lead the team this season. Helping her are veterans Chenie Tagaod, Jean Asis, and Gerzel Petallo, who all  played a crucial role in their campaign last season. 

READ: UAAP: Tina Salak on returning as FEU coach — ‘Ayaw kong magkaroon ng regrets’

Will it be green and finally gold for the Lady Tamaraws?

Ateneo Blue Eagles

Ateneo WVB coach Sergio Veloso. UAAP Media

Same faces, new goals. After falling short of a semifinal berth last season, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are back with sharper claws. Graduating senior Lyann De Guzman takes on the leadership role for the intact Eagles squad. With four stellar rookies and dependable veterans, they are definitely  looking forward to a return trip to the final four after missing out for two seasons.

READ: UAAP: De Guzman, Fujimoto have high hopes for Ateneo’s rookies in Season 87

Head coach Sergio Veloso is expected to translate the lessons from their Japan training into a  winning formula for the Blue Eagles. With an intact core, his team remains to be among the contenders.

Will the Blue Eagles finally land on familiar territory this season? 

UE Lady Warriors

UE interim coach Allan Mendoza and Khy Cepada. UAAP Media

The tough road towards the crown became even more challenging for the UE Lady Warriors after the departure of their core players and coaches. Instrumental to their 6th place finish last season, top scorer Casiey Dongallo left the program together with six other players.

Team captain Kayce Balingit was left with the task to lead the undermanned Lady Warriors this season, alongside veteran middle blocker Riza Nogales and outside hitter Khy Cepada. They will be spearheaded by their new head coach Allan Mendoza, who was only with the team for months.

Will the Lady Warriors be able to move past their bitter start this season? 

Adamson Lady Falcons

Adamson WVB coach JP Yude. UAAP Media

Faster, higher, and stronger soar for the Lady Falcons. Led by super rookie and team captain Shaina Nitura, they are aiming to rise from their place last season. After the departure of their veteran players, the Adamson Lady Falcons will parade a rookie-filled lineup, mostly composed of former Baby Falcons. Head coach JP Yude will take the reins in leading the rebuilding squad to higher grounds this season.

READ: Adamson's Nitura is UAAP girls' volleyball MVP

Hotly-recruited high school standout Shaina Nitura will take on a big role in their campaign, having won several MVP awards, all eyes are definitely set on her.

Will she and the rest of the Lady Falcons soar to the finish line? 

UP Fighting Maroons

UP's Nica Celis. UAAP Media

Last year’s cellar-dwellers, the UP Fighting Maroons are eager to mount a comeback after a complete overhaul of their squad.

Team captain and middle blocker Nica Celis, alongside veterans Niña Ytang and Irah Jaboneta are expected to lead the Fighting Maroons towards their goal of securing a long-awaited final four spot. Meanwhile, newly-minted head coach Benson Bocboc and assistant Dr. Obet Vital will steer the team composed of senior players and a strong rookie class.

Former Lady Warriors Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, Kizzie Madriaga, Jenalyn Umayam, and Shamel Fernandez -- although still ineligible this season -- are also expected to boost the lineup in the coming years.

Will the Fighting Maroons be able to fight their way to the top this Season 87?

The teams are ready. The court is set. The competition is on. The clash of volley belles is set to begin. Who will sit on the throne? 

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