Altas, Pirates clash in NC volley opener

MANILA, Philippines - The 87th National Collegiate Athletic Association volleyball tournament kicks off today with a heavy five-game schedule at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The tournament opens with a brief but colorful ceremony prepared by event host San Beda College, to be immediately followed by the featured matches for the day.

Defending boys’ and men’s volleyball champion University of Perpetual Help Dalta System open their title-retention bid against newcomer Lyceum at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively, while the Lady Altas clash with perennial WNCAA champions Lady Pirates at 10 a.m.

The Lady Altas will be backstopped by holdovers April Ann Sartin, Norie Diaz, Sandra delos Santos, Rose Tubiño and Ronnery delos Santos. The Las Pinas-based belles will also parade a new setter in Arianne Argarin, who replaced Keshia de Luna. De Luna graduated last March.

 The Las Piñas-based lady spikers are expected to have their hands full against the Lady Pirates, who hope to bring their A-game to the NCAA after dominating the WNCAA.

 Arellano U and Mapua will likewise open their respective campaigns at 1 p.m.