By MARK REY MONTEJO
All eyes will be on National University as they seek to cement their legacy in both men’s and women’s divisions of the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament, which fires off this Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Returning into action with their goal of continuing their stellar run, the Bulldogs shoot for a rare five-peat, while the Lady Bulldogs gun for back-to-back championships.
Easier said than done as far as Lady Bulldogs coach Sherwin Meneses, who still feels the pressure to guide his young stalwarts despite numerous accolades including in the pro ranks with the Creamline Cool Smashers in the Premier Volleyball League.
“Yung pressure, lagi namang andyan. One game at a time lang kami, at talagang paghahandaan namin lahat ng teams,” said Meneses during the tournament press conference last Thursday, Feb. 13, at the MOA Arena.
“Saka lagi naming mindset is mag-improve everyday, every training. Yung championship, darating din yan and NU has its own culture. Nandito naman kami para matulungan, mapadali ‘yong laro,” he added.
The Lady Bulldogs will be put to test early on Sunday, Feb. 16, when they clash early with the Angel Canino-led De La Salle Green Archers at 3 p.m.
For graduating ace and key player Bella Belen, the arrival of Meneses as their mentor comes as a big boost for them particularly during the off-season.
“I’m confident na magiging maganda yung performance namin this season under his system,” Belan said, although noting that they expect hurdles along the way with the presence of strong teams like last year’s runner-up University of Santo Tomas, and the Angel Canino-led De La Salle.
“Lahat naman ng teams paghahandaan namin, sa pro or kahit dito sa collegiate pareho lang naman, parehas nandun ‘yong gigil,” added Meneses, who also casts his eyes on Alyssa Solomon, Arah Panique, Sheena Toring and Erin Pangilinan.
Like their female counterparts, the Bulldogs also underscored the pressure bestowed on them as they also start their campaign on Sunday against the Archers.
“Wala namang pagbabago. Every year, ganun pa rin yung plano namin, kasi nag-work siya and we’re able to win four straight (titles), so we’re still sticking with it,” said Rwenzmel Taguibolos.
“Siguro pressure siya dahil if ever, na makuha namin kasama kami sa history, pero nagii-stick parin kami sa same mindset namin,” he added. “Saka we expect na mas lalakas pa ‘yong mga kalaban namin.”
Meanwhile, raising the curtain on Saturday will be University of the East against University of the Philippines, and Far Eastern University versus UST.
