Pasay city: The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 swimming and athletics tournaments will kick off at the New Clark City (NCC) Sports Hub in Capas, Tarlac on Thursday. It will be the second straight season that swimming and athletics will be held at the NCC, which also hosted the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2019.

According to Philippines News Agency, reigning MVPs Miguel Barreto and Mishka Sy will lead Ateneo de Manila University as they aim to defend their collegiate swimming titles in the four-day tournament. Barreto heads the men’s team, supported by Palarong Pambansa champions TJ Amaro and Paolo Labanon, in pursuit of a historic 10th consecutive title, one of the longest championship streaks in UAAP history. Sy will lead the women’s team in their bid for back-to-back titles and their eighth overall.

Ateneo is expected to face tough competition from the University of the Philippines (UP), featuring national record holders Joshua Ang and Thanya Dela Cruz; De La Salle University, represented by SEA Games-bound Alexander Chu and Rookie of the Year Mikaela Talosig; and the University of Santo Tomas (UST), led by seniors Jules Mirandilla and Shairinne Floriano.

Meanwhile, the athletics competition is set to commence on Nov. 10 with UP and Far Eastern University (FEU) determined to retain the men’s and women’s titles, respectively. Only the javelin throw will remain inside the main stadium, while other throwing events will take place at the adjacent field. UP, led by Season 85 and 86 MVP Alhryan Labita, is aiming for a record 22nd title, while Annie Mercurio will lead FEU, seeking a league-best 26th title.

In the high school division, UST is targeting to retain the boys’ and girls’ swimming titles and the boys’ athletics crown. The University of the East will rely on Palarong Pambansa gold medalist Sep Placido to defend the girls’ title in athletics.