Volleyball season has arrived in UAAP Season 88. Anticipation is definitely at fever pitch for another historic chapter that will unfurl on Valentine’s Day at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. With the opening upon us, we have five burning questions which we think will define this season:
Can the NU Lady Bulldogs Win Back-to-Back Championships?
With UAAP Season 87 Finals MVP Bella Belen graduating into the pro ranks along with fellow star Alyssa Solomon, the Lady Bulldogs are going to rely on their young talent to defend their title.
Rookie Sam Cantada from NU-Nazareth is expected to fill in the void that Belen left. Other notable newcomers who are set to contribute to the squad are Denesse Daylisan and Harlyn Serneche.
NU will also bank on the championship experience of the returning Vange Alinsug, Lams Lamina, Arah Panique and Chammy Maaya. But every team will be out to get the Lady Bulldogs, and they’re sure to get the best out of everyone, making a title repeat doubly difficult.
Can La Salle Hit Pay Dirt?
With reigning Best Outside Hitter Angel Canino leading the way, the time for the La Salle Lady Spikers to win it all seems to be this year.
Along with newly appointed team captain Shevana Laput, the ladies in green and white might have no more excuses for not making the Finals at the very least.
After winning the title in Season 85, many expected the team to dominate; instead they were left with heartbreaks as the Lady Spikers always fell a tad bit short in the next two seasons.
Aside from Canino and Laput, the Taft-based squad will also be anchored by stars Amie Provido and Lyka Mae De Leon.
What Is Year 2 Shaina Nitura Going to Look Like for Adamson?
Aptly nicknamed “Super Shai,” Season 87 Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura is expected to shift to another gear in her sophomore season with the Adamson Lady Falcons.
After breaking records last season, the 21-year-old Lady Falcon will surely do everything in her power to bring Adamson to greater heights.
Considering that Adamson finished fifth last season and were a few wins away from the Final Four, expectations are high that the Lady Falcons can now have a podium finish. Nitura will have something to say about that for sure.
Will Angelica Reyes Help UE End their 14-Game Losing Streak?
After a winless Season 87, the UE Lady Red Warriors are eager to finally enter the win column.
Despite a forgettable 2025, UE still had a bright spot in 5-foot-2 libero, Angelica Reyes.
Aside from Reyes, also returning for the Lady Warriors are Khy Cepada and Van Bangayan, who together will be anchoring a squad full of rookies. That said, the big question remains: Can UE finally put an end to their losing streak?
How Will Detdet Pepito’s Final Season with UST Unfold?
Detdet Pepito will be looking to end her collegiate career with a golden finish proudly representing the UST Golden Tigresses.
Back in Season 86, the ladies in yellow and white went to the Finals but then fell off in Season 87, prompting a coaching switch. But can this head coaching change turn things around at España?
Shaq Delos Santos brings in championship experience and is no doubt going to be crucial in unlocking the full potential of other players like Angeline Poyos, Cassie Carballo, and Marga Altea. How they respond to this coaching change could very well determine how Pepito’s final season goes.
