COMING off a runner-up finish in the UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournament, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses begin their preseason buildup on Sunday, facing the Lyceum Lady Pirates in the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge inaugurals at Paco Arena in Manila.

Returning to the league after skipping last year's edition, the Golden Tigresses aim for a strong start in their 10 a.m. showdown, although they remain cautious of the NCAA third-placers.

Coach Kungfu Reyes' squad boasts an intact lineup for their campaign, with only Pierre Abellana moving to the professional ranks.

In the 12 noon match, two teams coached by Oliver Almadro will clash — the NCAA's Letran Lady Knights and the UAAP's UP Fighting Maroons with the former to be led by incoming sophomore Gia Maquilang and libero Lara Mae Silva, who are fresh off a second-place finish in the Grand Old League.

The Fighting Maroons, on the other hand, will feature key recruits Jothea Ramos and Kianne Olango.

In the men's matchups, defending champions De La Salle Green Spikers kick off their title-retention drive against the Letran Knights at 3 p.m.

The EAC Generals, meanwhile, will collide with the rebuilding Ateneo Blue Eagles in the 5 p.m. main event.

The Green Spikers will be without star spikers JM Ronquillo and Vince Maglinao, as well as middle blocker Nathaniel del Pilar.

Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles are ushering in a new era following the departure of Timmy Sto. Tomas, with Vince Mangulabnan serving as interim head coach.

Read The Rest at :