NU fired up in UAAP volley

MANILA, Philippines —   All eyes will be on National U as it seeks a back-to-back title feat it failed to achieve two years ago in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament firing off tomorrow at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Bulldogs, who ruled the league twice in the last three seasons, still loom as the undisputed favorite. Reigning MVP Bella Belen is keen on keeping the tiara in a bid that kicks off with a game against archrival La Salle on Sunday.

“Sobrang excited ako to play ngayon. Gusto namin mag-back-to-back kasi hindi namin siya nagawa noong Season 85,” said Belen in the pre-season conference yesterday at the same venue with league officials, rival teams and broadcast partner Cignal TV.

But the Lady Bulldogs have no illusions that it will be a walk in the park, especially with an expected revenge bid of La Salle and Santo Tomas. Vastly-improved Far Eastern U, Adamson led by super rookie and UAAP juniors MVP Shaina Nitura, Ateneo and University of the Philippines and University of the East are also in play.

Rolling the red carpet are Santo Tomas and FEU tomorrow at 3 p.m. after their men’s teams clash at 11 a.m.