NU Lady Bulldogs eye redemption against UP as UAAP Season 88 Round 2 kicks off

The UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament shifts into high gear as the second round kicks off, putting the spotlight on consistency, redemption, and the relentless hunt for Final Four spots.

Defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs enter the round eager to make amends after stumbling in the closing stretch of Round 1. 

Their four-set loss to the DLSU Lady Spikers last Sunday dropped a dent in their momentum, leaving NU with a 5-2 record—already matching last season’s total elimination losses. 

The Lady Bulldogs now sit second in the standings, narrowly ahead of the Lady Falcons, Lady Tamaraws, and Golden Tigresses, all holding 4-3, in a tight race for the No. 2 seed.

NU will look for revenge as they face the UP Fighting Maroons at 3 p.m., a rematch of their first-round clash where the Maroons triumphed in a five-set match, 25-16, 25-16, 22-25, 29-31, 16-18. 

Rookie star Sam Cantada, who returned from a right shin injury after colliding with libero IC Cepada and she’s determined to lead the charge and help the Lady Bulldogs reclaim their winning rhythm.

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Ready for the 2nd round of volleyball?

Check out the first four gamedays of the second round of the #UAAPSeason88 Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Tournament starting Wednesday, March 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

You can also catch the games on One Sports, UAAP Varsity… pic.twitter.com/jytFrwwg6b

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) March 15, 2026

For the Fighting Maroons, Round 2 begins with the challenge of regaining momentum after a promising 3-1 start was derailed by three consecutive losses to FEU, UST, and Adamson, compounded by the season-ending injury of key player Casiey Dongallo. 

Niña Ytang now shoulders the responsibility to lift the squad, teaming up with Jelai Gajero to fill the void left by Dongallo.

In the opening game of Round 2, FEU Lady Tamaraws take on the winless UE Red Warriors. FEU is eager to rebound after finishing Round 1 with a sweep loss to UST, and the team could be without Gerzel Petallo, who suffered a right shoulder injury during a collision with teammate Marga Encarnacion. 

Head coach Tina Salak is relying on Jazz Ellarina, Faida Bakanke, Aly Devosora, Lovely Lopez, and setter Tin Ubaldo to guide the Lady Tamaraws back to form.

Meanwhile, UE is determined to snap their Round 1 winless streak. Head coach Jumbo Dimaculangan looks to her top scorer Khy Cepada, captain Van Bangayan, and Bea Zamudio to keep the Red Warriors competitive in a daunting second round.

With the second round underway, every match carries weight, and each team is fighting not only for wins but for validation. As injuries test depth, streaks are challenged, and rivalries intensify, one thing is clear, the path to the UAAP Season 88 Final Four will demand grit and unwavering focus from every squad.

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