MANILA – National University is all set to defend the men's and women's crowns in the 87th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) collegiate volleyball tournament scheduled to kick off this weekend at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Bulldogs are targeting a fifth consecutive title, while the Lady Bulldogs are seeking their third title in four seasons.

"All the teams have prepared for this season, we will do our best to defend our title," Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin said during the league press conference at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday.

Out to dethrone NU are University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University, and Far Eastern University which have beefed up their rosters, while Ateneo de Manila University, Adamson University, University of the Philippines, and University of the East are determined to perform well.

Saturday's matches pit UP against UE at 9 a.m. and FEU against UST at 11 a.m. in the men's division, while UP and UE will square off at 1 p.m. and FEU will battle UST at 3 p.m. in the women's division.

On Sunday, Ateneo will meet Adamson at 9 a.m. (men) and 1 p.m. (women), while NU will take on DLSU at 11 a.m. (men) and 3 p.m. (women).

All matches will be aired live on free-to-air television via One Sports every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday with the men’s competition in the morning and the women’s in the afternoon, with exception of the games on Feb. 19 and 22.

Meanwhile, the league is introducing the Best Foreign Student-Athlete award across all sports where statistical points determine individual performance rankings.

The new award, which was approved last season, recognizes foreign student-athletes while maintaining the prestige of the Most Valuable Player award for the top-ranked local athlete.

“Yes, this was actually approved last year for implementation this season. The Best Foreign Student-Athlete award will be given across all UAAP sports but only if a foreign student-athlete finishes as the leader in events where statistical points are available. In that case, they will receive the Best Foreign Student-Athlete award, while the highest-ranking local student-athlete in the statistical race will be recognized as the Most Valuable Player," UAAP Executive Director lawyer Rene “Rebo” Saguisag said.

FSAs are still eligible for other individual awards, such as selections to All-UAAP Teams or Mythical Teams in their respective sports.

International student-athletes who previously studied in a Philippine high school can still qualify for Rookie of the Year honors.

“The reason behind this is to ensure that we properly recognize both our local and international student-athletes while maintaining the spirit of the league’s competition,” Saguisag said.

“By implementing the Best Foreign Student-Athlete award, we ensure that if an FSA leads the statistical points race, they are duly recognized, while still allowing a local student-athlete to be awarded MVP." (PNA)