Missing their top players due to national team commitments, the National University Lady Bulldogs are set for a challenging start as they face the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights in the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.
The high noon showdown between the reigning UAAP champions and the NCAA bronze medalists promises to be fiercely contested, as both teams strive for an early advantage in the tournament.
NU will debut without their star players Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon and Arah Panique, who are currently with Alas Pilipinas Women in the ongoing SEA V.League tournament. Despite the absence of their top gunners, the Lady Bulldogs aim to outlast the winless Intramuros-based squad.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons kick off the fourth elimination playdate against the Lyceum of the Philippines University Lady Pirates at 10 a.m., seeking to build on their thrilling five-set victory against the FEU Lady Tams last July 31.
Rookies Kassandra Doering and Kianne Olango are expected to lead UP’s charge against the Lady Pirates, who will rely on Johna Dolorito and Heart Bio.
“Ang kulang pa rin namin ngayon is yung communication… Kumbaga yun pa yung kailangan namin, kasi I’m sure kung matuto magusap itong mga bata ito ay hindi kami mahihirapan magreceive kasi may skills na ‘eh. Kailangan lang is teamwork at communication,” said UP assistant coach Mario Mia.
In a rematch of last year’s semifinals, the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers and the De La Salle University Green Spikers clash at 5 p.m. in the men’s division.
Chris Hernandez and the Green Spikers are aiming for their second consecutive win against the Gboy de Vega-led UST squad, which is also missing key players Josh Ybanez and Odjie Mamon due to national team commitments.
“We need to make up doon sa mga errors namin, which is sa blocking and attack. Kailangan pa namin iayos yung out of system plays namin. Kailangan medyo keen kami sa galawan namin against UST,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque.
At 3 p.m., Letran and the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas face off in a marquee NCAA matchup, with both teams seeking their first victory, also in the men’s division.
Kobe Tabuga will lead Perpetual in the post-Louie Ramirez era, while Vince Himzon hopes to lift Letran from a shutout loss to reigning V-League champion La Salle last Sunday.
Games are aired live on Solar Sports, vleague.ph/live, and the V-League's YouTube channel.
