The UST Golden Tigresses and Spikers have officially released their respective lineups for the upcoming UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament, which will open on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Rookies look to step up as Gula and Perdido are out for the season

Outside hitters Xyza Gula and Jonna Perdido have been sidelined due to injuries sustained during the pre-season.

Gula, who was also utilized as a service specialist by the Tigresses, made waves for her 13-point performance in UST’s come-from-behind win over the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws last season.

Perdido was the second opposite hitter for the Tigresses who starred alongside Reg Jurado during their Season 86 campaign.

Outside hitter Renren Peñafiel and setter Kaka Caasi were moved back to the reserve lineup of UST.

UAAP Season 86 best libero Detdet Pepito has been named team captain while Jurado has been named co-captain of the Tigresses.

Season 86 setter of the tournament Cassie Carballo will retain her position as the primary playmaker of the team, while rookie Arlene Waje will serve as her backup.

Nigerian rookie Blessing Unekwe will provide much-needed reinforcements in the middle blocker positions, with Em Banagua, Pia Abbu, and Bianca Plaza also present in the mix.

Joining Jurado in the opposite hitter position would be Maribeth Hilongo, who notably played as the reserve libero during Season 86, and the former Junior Golden Tigress Marga Altea.

Season 86's second-best outside hitter, Poyos, will be joined by rookies Kyla Cordora and Ashlee Knop, who are looking to add more firepower for the Tigresses.

Pepito will continue to fulfill her libero position alongside her role as captain while being joined by rookie Sandrine Escober who will serve as the second libero of the team.

Kungfu Reyes will continue to serve as the coach of the Golden Tigresses, with Shaq Delos Santos and Lerma Giron also part of the UST coaching staff.

Umandal, Dedoroy, and Salvador absent in Golden Spikers lineup

Meanwhile, the Golden Spikers also released their lineup, with a few key players from last season missing as they aim for the crown this Season 87.

Opposite hitter Sherwin Umandal and outside hitter Kenneth Salvador were moved down to the reserve role while backup outside hitter John Dedoroy was left out from the lineup submitted by the team.

Another key player from Season 86, Van Prudenciado, has moved on to the pro scene alongside the D’Navigators Iloilo, while Middle blocker Rainier Flor has graduated from the University.

Setter Dux Yambao will continue to man his position as the captain of the team. He will be joined by Joshua Avila in the setter position this Season 87.

Popoy Colinares will continue his role as middle blocker for the team alongside Trevor Valera and rookie Vyrvin Catinsag, who will debut for the España-based team.

The outside hitter combination of Jay Rack De La Noche and young blood Al-Bukharie Sali will try to pace the UST offense alongside opposite hitters GBoy De Vega, Josh Ybañez, Alche Gupiteo and rookie Jan Macam.

Nat Prudenciado will be joined by rookies Ryuichi Yamanaka and Edriel Alabar in the libero position.

Ogie Mamon will reprise his role as head coach of the Golden Spikers this Season 87.

The Golden Tigresses and Golden Spikers will first see action against the FEU Tamaraws on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.