MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas starts its title-retention bid in both the men's and women's divisions as the 73rd UAAP volleyball tournament kicks off this Saturday at The Arena in San Juan. The Espana-based squad completed a double celebration last season when they bagged the championship of both divisions. The Tigers completed a three-peat by sweeping Far Eastern University while the Tigresses dethroned 2009 winners La Salle in similar fashion.
The UST volleybelles, who are aiming for their sixth crown in the last two years that includes three straight Shakey's V-League titles, battle vastly-improved Ateneo at 4 p.m. while their male counterparts likewise meet the Eagles at 11 a.m.
Also scheduled today are La Salle and National University in the men's division at 9 a.m. and Far Eastern University meeting NU in the women's division at 2 p.m.
UST will be led by lefty spiker Aiza Maizo, Maru Banaticla, Maika Ortiz and Rhea Dimaculangan although it lost rookie Dindin Santiago who is taking a two-year residency period in National University.
The volleyball opener is the start of a hectic opening weekend of the UAAP second semester.
On Sunday, baseball competitions begin at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium with Adamson beginning its bid for a rare four-peat against Ateneo.
Also joining the baseball tilt are title contenders NU, University of the Philippines, UST and La Salle.
Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin
