UAAP: La Salle to open title-retention run vs. Adamson

Angel Canino of the De La Salle Lady Spikers during the UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball match against the Adamson Lady Falcons at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on March 19, 2023. UAAP Media/handout 

MANILA -- The De La Salle University will open its title-retention campaign against Adamson University on Saturday in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Aside from filling the huge void left by setter Mars Alba, Julia Coronel will be the Lady Spikers' new captain of the ship.

After getting some Thailand training at the start of the year, Coronel is upbeat about La Salle's chances to capture title No. 13. 

"I would say now that we are ready for this upcoming season," said Coronel. "Kasi grabe din po ang naging preparation namin throughout the pre-season and gusto talaga naming manalo ulit kami at hawak po ang championship this season."

Taking the leadership role is a challenge for Coronel, but the 23-year playmaker is grateful for the trust given to her by the coaching staff and her teammates.

"So far looking great. Na-embrace ko rin 'yung role ko as a team captain and starting setter of the team," said Coronel.

The Lady Spikers and the Lady Falcons take the floor at 4 p.m.

Ateneo de Manila University and host University of the East clash in the other women's match at 2 p.m.

La Salle remains stacked as ever behind reigning MVP Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, Alleiah Malaluan, Shevana Laput, Amie Provido, Maicah Larroza, Baby Jyne Soreño, and libero Lyka De Leon.

Another team that faced a major overhaul was Adamson, which placed third last season.

JP Yude, who recently steered the Baby Falcons to their first-ever high school girls' volleyball championship, will make his debut as women's coach.

Aside from the departure of coach Jerry Yee and the loss of several key players from last year's bronze medal team, Adamson's top middle blocker Lorene Toring saw her college career come to a premature end due to an ACL injury.

The Lady Falcons are looking forward to having Angelica Alcantara as the new starting setter, while holdovers Lucille Almonte, Shar Ancheta, Jen Villegas, Antonette Adolfo, and libero Karen Verdeflor deliver the goods.

Red Bascon and Barbie Jamili are also seeking to make an impact as first-year players for Adamson.

With a bigger role, Almonte hopes that the Lady Falcons' impressive pre-season showing despite all the changes will also translate into UAAP success.

"Sobrang laki po kasi isa po ako sa mga naiwan from last season. Kailangan ko po talagang mag-step up and kailangan ko talagang i-guide ng maayos ang team," said Almonte.

"Sobrang blessed naman ako kasi nandiyan yung mga coaches ko para i-guide nila kami," she added.

Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles will now have Brazilian Sergio Veloso to man the sidelines, while Yee has brought his act to the Lady Warriors.

Coming off a 4-10 campaign last year, the first time Ateneo missed the Final Four since 2009, libero Roma Mae Doromal, AC Miner, and Lyanne de Guzman will be there to help the youngsters led by rookie setter Shaine Cortez.

Khy Cepada, Riza Nogales, Dara Nieva, and libero Ange Reyes will be UE's glue that will stick together rookies Casiey Dongallo, Gracen Fernandez, and playmaker Kizzie Madriaga -- all products of the decorated California Academy high school program.

In the men's division, Nigerian Aimar Okeke will make his much-awaited debut for the Blue Eagles against the Red Warriors at 10 a.m., while the Noel Kampton-led Green Spikers and the Falcons, who have won the pre-season championship on their belts, collide at 12 noon.

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