After a thrilling first half, UAAP Season 86 continues in 2024 with a number of fan-favorite sports and exciting storylines you should follow.
The UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament may have come to an end, but that doesn’t mean the competition’s excitement is over; in fact, the opposite is true — the action is just getting started, with the second-semester sports just about to kick off.
If the first half of UAAP Season 86 — highlighted by the DLSU Green Archers’ unforgettable victory — was a preview to the rest of the season, the second half is likely going to be one you won’t want to miss. Here are three major sports to look forward to in the coming months.
Volleyball
Volleyball is arguably one of the biggest sports in the UAAP and is typically the highlight of the second semester, drawing huge crowds to the arenas.
Last season, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers were the undisputed queens of the court, going on a 16-1 win-loss run, and dethroning National University to win their 12th UAAP women’s volleyball title. Meanwhile, on the men’s side, the NU Bulldogs went on a historic season sweep to secure their three-peat.
Will the DLSU Lady Spikers manage to defend their title given their roster of young talents? Will the NU Bulldogs continue to dominate their field? Or will the rest of the teams rise to the occasion?
Football
Another highly-anticipated second-semester sport in the UAAP is football, and given the growing hype surrounding the sport among Filipino sports fans, Season 86’s football tournaments may see an even bigger audience.
Last season, Far Eastern University (FEU) dominated both football tournaments, claiming the men’s and women’s titles. On top of this, it was FEU’s players who claimed many of the individual awards on both sides as well. Will this dominance continue to pour over into Season 86 once the second-semester sports kick off?
Baseball
Baseball, while not the Philippines’ most popular sport, is one of the second-semester UAAP sports that college students often look forward to, as the action and storylines can get just as intense as the other sports.
Last year, the DLSU Green Batters overcame many odds to win the Season 85 baseball title to become back-to-back champions. However, several of their key players have finished their time collegiate careers, and the Green Batters’ fate has been left to a roster of youngsters, hungry to make their mark. However, UP and Ateneo, among the other top teams, will be eager to take down their rivals.
Who will be crowned this season’s kings of the diamond?
Images from UAAP Media Bureau.
Related Stories:
Excited For UAAP’s Return? Here’s What You Need to Know About Season 86
The DLSU Green Batters: On Winning Back-to-Back Titles, 4 Seasons Apart
A Way-Too-Early Look at UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball