FILE–UST Tigresses in Game 1 of the UAAP 86 women’s volleyball Finals against NU Lady Bulldogs. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The UAAP squads are leaving no stone unturned as they held overseas training camps ahead of the Season 87 men’s and women’s volleyball tournaments starting on February 15.
The University of Santo Tomas, last year’s runner-up in both men’s and women’s divisions, returned to Japan for training camp before heading to their bid to bounce back this year.
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The Tigresses led by Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos, Cassie Carballo, and Reg Jurado lost to the Lady Bulldogs last year with MVP Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon leading the school to its second title in three seasons.
The Golden Spikers, bannered by two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez, also returned to Japan, where their tormentors and reigning champion NU Bulldogs under coach Dante Alinsunurin are also training with Japanese clubs.
The Bulldogs, who lost Owa Retamar and Nico Almendras, are eyeing a historic ‘five-peat’ this year with Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado leading the way.
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Adamson Lady Falcons training with KingWhale Taipei in Taiwan. –AKARI SPORTS PHOTO
Ateneo men’s and women’s squads also trained in Japan, while Adamson, led by prized rookie Shaina Nitura, went to Taiwan.
Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws chose Southeast Asian powerhouse volleyball country Thailand to spend their training camp.
The intact FEU team, under returning coach Tina Salak, got a chance to meet Thailand’s legendary player Pleumjit Thinkaow.
NU, which ruled the Shakey’s Super League, is staying in the country this year but is set to face international club teams after having represented the country last year in the VTV Cup in Vietnam and AVC Women’s Club Championship in Thailand.
The same goes for La Salle, led by new captain Angel Canino, as the Lady Spikers played in a pocket tournament in Taiwan last year.
Canino and the Lady Spikers are eyeing redemption after they got dethroned by the Tigresses last year in the Final Four.
The University of the Philippines and University of the East already went abroad last year, joining the Japan training camp of their backer Strong Group Athletics with PVL teams Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee.
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UE recently lost coach Obet Vital and key players Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, Kizzie Madriaga, and Jenalyn Umayam, who all transferred to UP.
