By Jerome Lagunzad
Even without star spiker Grethcel Soltones, San Sebastian is determined to stretch its dominance to five straight years when the NCAA beach volleyball tournament gets going today at Boardwalk in Subic Bay, Zambales.
Alyssa Eroa, who joined hands with Soltones when they completed a “four-peat” last year, is back for another tour of duty with the Lady Stags, teaming up with Dangie Encarnacion and Daurene Claire Santos this time.
But they are expected to have a tough grind with the presence of San Beda twins Ma. Nieza and Ma. Jeziela Viray, who are out to gain a fitting payback after suffering a 16-21, 21-15, 15-11 defeat to San Sebastian in the finals last year.
Aside from the Nieza twins who have been the bridesmaids for the past two editions, the SSC belles could be in for a rough ride against some familiar faces.
Arellano’s Regine Arocha, Jovielyn Prado and Necole Ebuen are hoping to ride the crest of their title victory in indoor volleyball to the beach sands while reigning indoor volley MVP Shola Alvarez of Jose Rizal teams up with Dolly Grace Versoza and Mercy Grace Rivera, making them as teams to watch out for.