By REYNALD MAGALLON
University of the Perpetual Help System Dalta and the Colegio de San Juan de Letran both gun for a three-peat as the Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 beach volleyball tournament fires off on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at the Sand Courts of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
Klint Mateo will try to fill in the spot of last season MVP Louie Ramirez as he joins hands with holdovers Jefferson Marapoc and Dexter Arrozado in the attempt to defend the crown for the school’s third consecutive title.
Likewise, led by Lara Mae Silva and rookie-MVP Gia Maquila, the Lady Knights are aiming for a third consecutive title, along with Jogi Maquilang in the women’s division.
The Altas are coming off a strong showing from last season where they defeated the Mapua University Cardinals in straight sets 21-19, 21-13. Perpetual actually ended the eliminations on a 7-2 record advance to the Final Four where it also dominated Arellano, 21-12, 21-15.
On the distaff side, the Letran women’s team swept the elims of the women’s division as it took down rival San Beda University in the finals, 21-16, 21-16.
Also aiming to stretch their dominance are Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Brigadiers who claimed the juniors title after taking down Lyceum of the Philippines University in the finals, 21-17, 16-21, 15-10.
The Brigadiers, composed of Dwayne Alin-Alin, Aljihan Apdian, and Nyle Ecaranum, ended the elimination round with a 6-2 card, along with LPU, Letran, and Perpetual. EAC, despite the Final Four bonus, needed two games before booking a finals slot.
For the part of the Altalettes, Nathan Ciriaco, JM Regorosa and Kirby Alecida will be tasked to bring back the crown which was last won in Season 94 by Noel Kampton, Hero Austria and Louis Gamban.
