UST opens title defense in UAAP volley

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas (UST) kicks off its twin title defense today as the UAAP Season 73 volleyball competitions unwrap at The Arena in San Juan.

The Tigers launch their four-peat campaign against the Ateneo Blue Eagles at 12 noon following the 10 a.m. curtain-raiser between the La Salle Green Archers and the National U Bulldogs.

Fresh from ruling the University Games, the Tigresses start their quest for a second consecutive UAAP crown at 4 p.m. versus an Ateneo Lady Eagles side looking to gain momentum from their breakthrough No. 3 finish last season.

Also seeing action in the opening day are the Far Eastern U Lady Tamaraws and the NU Lady Bulldogs at 2 p.m.

Season 72 Finals MVP Henry Pecaña and veterans Harby Ilano and John Paul Torres are expected to lead the Tigers, who won but one of their outings last year, including a 2-0 sweep of FEU in the championship series.

The Tigresses aim to extend their reign with 2009 Finals MVP Rhea Dimaculangan, skipper Aiza Maizo, Maru Banaticla, Judy Ann Caballejo, and Maika Ortiz taking charge in the absence of Angeli Tabaquero, who already graduated, and 6-1 Dindin Santiago, who transferred to NU.

“Our team is not that strong but I’m sure the girls will perform,” said Tigresses’ coach Shaq delos Santos, adding that “all the teams are contenders considering they are really preparing hard for the competition.”