By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan City)
10 a.m. – Letran vs EAC (Juniors)
1 p.m. – Arellano vs Perpetual (Men’s Finals)
3:30 p.m. – Awarding Ceremonies
4 p.m. – Arellano vs San Beda (Women’s Finals)
University of Perpetual Help tries to inch closer to a grand title sweep when it clashes with Arellano today in Game 1 of NCAA men’s volleyball at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Altas stake their nine-game winning streak in their 1 p.m. confrontation with the Chiefs as they are eager to win their first crown since 2013.
The Arellano Lady Chiefs, meanwhile, hope to draw the first blood in their 4 p.m. tussle with the San Beda Lady Red Spikers at the start of their own best-of-three finals series.
The Lady Chiefs are aiming for their second straight crown.
Focus, however, will be on the Altas as they try to preserve their momentum after a weeklong break.
Coach Sammy Acaylar said they played tuneup matches against collegiate teams from the UAAP to keep their energy high.
Joebert Almodiel, who are adjudged Rookie-MVP of the season, banner the Altas especially at the attack line, while Best Libero Jack Kalingking and Best Setter Warren Catipay offer reinforcements on both departments.
The Chiefs, which have to thread through the eye of the needle to make it to the finals, are unfazed.
They hope to ride on the crest of their morale-boosting 25-22, 28-26, 25-23 triumph in the stepladder semis that dethroned the College of St. Benilde Blazers.
Outside hitter Christian Dela Paz is set to challenge Almodiel while Kevin Liberato provide cover at the net.
In women’s play, the Lady Chiefs have Jovielyn Prado and Rookie of the Year awardee Necole Ebuen to spearhead their attacks against the title-hungry Red Spikers.
San Beda is eager to grab the upperhand it the series to move a win away from its first-ever title.
