Perpetual, Letran to defend NC titles

MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help seeks to defend its women’s title while Letran shoots for a three-peat in the men’s side as the beach volleyball competition of the 86th NCAA season comes off the wraps today at the La Salle-Greenhills sand court.

Games start at 9 a.m. right after the opening ceremony prepared by a committee headed by Ding Lozano of Mapua with former collegiate star Mozzy Ravena as guest speaker.

Last year’s MVP Keshia de Luna and her equally power-hitting partner April Ann Sartin are expected to spearhead the Lady Altas’ championship campaign anew.

The De Luna-Sartin tandem downed a St. Benilde side headed by Giza Yumang and LC Quemada to carry the Las Pinas-based school to its first title since the sport was introduced a few years back.

Yumang, however, will have a new partner in the talented Rossan Fajardo in their quest to finally nail the title that eluded the Lady Blazers for years.

Host San Sebastian, mentored by veteran coach Roger Gorayeb, will be bannered by the duo of Elaine Cruz and Karen Berbano as it hopes to post a league best three crowns to its collection.

Veteran Erickson Ramos and newcomer Rudy Gatdula are the main men of the Knights.

The Muralla-based spikers ended Arellano U’s Cinderella run by topping last year’s finale.