By Waylon Galvez
Games Friday
(The Arena, San Juan)
11 a.m – Opening Ceremony
12 noon – Arellano vs Lyceum (Womens)
2 p.m. – Perpetual Help vs St. Benilde (Womens)
4 p.m. – Perpetual Help vs St. Benilde (Mens)
Arellano University and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA start their respective title retention bids in the women’s and men’s categories of the 95th NCAA volleyball Friday at The Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Chiefs are eyeing a fourth straight title in the women’s side, while the Altas hope to extend their dominance for the third consecutive year and 13th overall in the men’s division.
Arellano takes on Lyceum of the Philippines University at 12 noon right after the 11 a.m. opening ceremony while Perpetual Help opens its campaign in the men’s tournament against the Blazers at 4 p.m.
Last year’s losing finalist Perpetual Help and College of Saint Benilde cross paths in the other women’s match at 2 p.m.
Regine Arocha, last year’s Finals MVP, together with reigning MVP Necole Ebuen, setter Sarah Verutiao, Princess Bello, Carla Donato, Alyana San Gregorio and libero Faye Flores are determined to continue Arellano’s dynasty.
Since 2015, the Lady Chiefs have actually won four of the last five titles.
Cherilyn Sindayen and Bien Juanillo have already completed their playing eligibility, but LPU still have materials to contend for a breakthrough semifinals stint with holdovers Ciamelle Wanta, Monica Sevilla and Alexandra Rafael leading the charge.
The Lady Altas lost their top scorer Cindy Imbo to graduation, but the Las Piñas-based team still have Yanca Tripoli, Shyra Umandal, Jenny Gaviola, Hannah Suico and Alyssa Sangalang to carry the fight.
Matet Pablo, Klarisa Abriam and veteran playmaker Jewel Lai will banner the Lady Blazers along with Gayle Pascual, Michelle Gamit, Mycah Go and Diane Ventura.
St. Benilde was the best NCAA team in the PVL Collegiate Conference, finishing fourth and is looking good to regain the crown it won in 2016.
