Now that the first week of action of the ongoing UAAP Season 87 Volleyball Tournaments is over, here is the news that went under the radar.

A UAAP living legend made her return as an assistant coach of a men’s team, joining her older brother on the coaching staff.

A star setter is debating whether to forgo her last year of eligibility in the UAAP as they begin their title defense.

Here are other stories you’ve probably missed in the first week of UAAP Volleyball action.

Ateneo’s Tsunashima, Delos Santos Suffer Season-ending Injuries

The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles suffered a setback in their ongoing campaign as two players – Zel Tsunashima and JLo Delos Santos – both suffered season-ending injuries.

Tsunashima broke her tibia and fibula in Ateneo’s match against Adamson University Lady Falcons. Delos Santos tore her ACL on February 14 during the team’s last tune-up match before the start of the season.

Rhea Dimaculangan’s return to UAAP

In the men’s division, a familiar face was spotted in the coaching staff of the University of the East Red Warriors as Rhea Dimaculangan, who was part of the Season 72 UST champion team, returned to the UAAP as an assistant coach of Jerome Guhit.

Dimaculangan is joined by his older brother Jumbo Dimaculangan in the coaching staff. Her other brother, Karl Dimaculangan, is also an assistant coach in the UAAP for the National University Lady Bulldogs.

Casiey Dongallo’s “Regret”

Former University of the East Lady Red Warrior Casiey Dongallo admitted that a part of her regretted her fallout with her former team. In the offseason, Casiey made the jump as she transferred to the University of the Philippines Lady Fighting Maroons after their mentor Dr. Obet Vital resigned from UE.

Kizzie Madriaga, Jelai Gajero, Shamel Fernandez, and Jenalyn Umayam also transferred to the Lady Fighting Maroons, where they are expected to play in Season 88.

Lady Bulldogs’ gray jersey

For the first time in recent memory, the National University Lady Bulldogs debuted a stylish gray jersey in the UAAP. According to ace player Bella Belen, it was her first time in 12 years playing for National University to have a gray jersey.

Opposite spiker Alyssa Solomon also expressed her love for their jersey, despite comments from netizens.

NU’s Alinsunurin proud of Ateneo’s Mangulabnan, Torres

Not so long ago, Ateneo Blue Eagles coaches Vince Mangulabnan and Peter Torres were playing for long-time National University Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin. Now, they are facing their mentor in court.

After a hard-fought 23-25, 26-24, 27-25, 29-27 of the Bulldogs against the Blue Eagles, Alinsunurin showed his former wards of praise and reaffirmed his faith in the Mangulabnan and Torres.

Lamina’s Swan Song?

National University Lady Bulldogs setter Lams Lamina admitted that she is still undecided whether to play her final year or turn pro at the end of the season.

Fellow fourth-year players Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon have already confirmed that Season 86 would be their last year playing in the UAAP, as they set their eyes on professional leagues.

Ateneo’s New Mantra

The Ateneo Blue Eagles had a new mantra as Camille Rodriguez and Juju Joseph instilled a ‘strong mind’ mentality in the men’s and women’s teams. Rodriguez is a footballer who represented Ateneo in the UAAP while Joseph is a fencer, representing the same school.

Rodriguez is the team’s mental performance coach while Joseph is the team’s sports psychologist coach.