SEEKING to take the crown this year after last season’s runner-up finish, De La Salle University looks to begin its UAAP Season 88 campaign strong as the Lady Spikers take on an equally tough title contender Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws on opening day on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Spikers and the Lady Tamaraws clash at 3 p.m., right after the 1 p.m. tussle between University of the Philippines (UP) and University of the East (UE).
La Salle bowed to National University in the finals of Season 86 and in the semifinals in Season 87.
FEU, on the other hand, reached the Final Four in the past two seasons.
The Lady Spikers will bank on UAAP Season 85 Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Angel Canino and Amie Provido, who both played for the Alas Pilipinas national team last year.
An added firepower for La Salle is 6-foot-2 hitter Shevana Laput, who was recently named team captain.
In Season 87, La Salle prevailed over FEU in their two meetings.
The Lady Spikers appeared in the UAAP women’s volleyball finals 20 times, winning 12 championships under head coach Ramil de Jesus. They last won the title in Season 85.
“I believe we have a very strong chance this coming season. I hope everyone comes and watches and supports us because this season is,” Laput said.
“I would say in terms, again, we’re just more solid? Our team is solid right now. Especially, even though we have a lot of rookies coming in and not that many veterans, we still have our core intact, as well as everyone wants to win,” she added.
La Salle was quiet in the off-season but vowed to start the season with guns ablaze.
“So far, what we’re seeing looks good. Hopefully, it keeps up so that as we head toward the end of the season, I hope their connection with everyone stays strong,” assistant coach Noel Orcullo said.
On FEU’s side, coach Tina Salak is confident her team will continue to contend for the title despite the departure of Chenie Tagaod, Jean Asis, and Julianne Monares, who are now playing in the PVL.
