MANILA, Philippines: After a dominant performance last year that culminated into a championship, the De La Salle Lady Spikers brace for a tough title defense in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament which will commence on Saturday, February 17.

La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo said that the Lady Spikers can't get too high with what they did last year since it's a new tournament and the other seven teams are not just going to measure themselves against the defending champs but also going after their heads.

"For us in our team, we keep telling ourselves that we can't be satisfied with our championship last season. It's already finished," said Orcullo during the tournament's press conference at the Mall of Asia Arena on Monday, February 12.

"We have to prepare for double time because we are the defending champions. All the teams are going after us so it's harder to defend a title than challenge for it, especially now that we lost so many key players," added Orcullo.

La Salle, indeed, practically lost its starting lineup from last year, with middle blocker Fifi Sharma, libero Justine Jazareno, Best Setter and UAAP Finals MVP Mars Alba as well as Best Outside Spiker Jolina Dela Cruz all moving up to the professional ranks.

Still, the Lady Spikers do have last year's Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Angel Canino alongside other key volleybelles in middle blocker Thea Gagate, opposite spiker Shevana Laput, and new starting setter Julia Coronel.

La Salle did all it could to stay ready with its lineup embellished with rookies, joining preseason tournaments like the Shakey's National Invitationals and Preseason Tournaments and holding a training camp in Thailand.

"Our exposure outside the country is huge because they get to experience the level of play in Thailand which is really high. At least, they saw how to adjust themselves with the style of play there."

Meanwhile, Gagate and Coronel expressed confidence when it comes to their readiness for the season.

"We're very confident on getting the championship this season and we'll definitely work hard for it," said Gagate.

"I'd say we're ready for this upcoming season because of our intense preparation during the preseason and we really just want to win the championship again."