Perpetual tossers open title-retention bid today

MANILA, Philippines - University of Perpetual Help System Dalta kicks off its title-retention bid in the women’s and men’s divisions as the NCAA volleyball tournament unfolds today at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Altas take on Mapua at 1 p.m., while the three-peat seeking Altas battle the Cardinals in men’s play at 2 p.m.

San Sebastian College, a traditional powerhouse in women’s volleyball, collides with San Beda College at 10 a.m. with the Lady Stags setting out sans multi-titled mentor Roger Gorayeb, who was suspended for one year for his involvement in a brawl with coach Frankie Lim and the Red Lions basketball team at San Beda Gym last December.

Coach Clint Malazo will take over San Sebastian, which will also miss the services of power-hitting Joy Benito, who has already completed her playing eligibility.

Skipper Karen Berbano will lead the Lady Stags, who will parade a rookie-laden roster this season.

Focus, however, will be on Perpetual Help, which still boasts of a strong line-up led by reigning MVP Sandra delos Santos and the comebacking April Sartin.

Handled by Mike Rafael, the Lady Altas toughened up joining the Shakey’s V-League, where most of the Perpetual Help players suited up for Cagayan Valley, which placed second in the Open Conference two months ago.

Other volleyball opening day matches scheduled are the last season’s men’s runner-up Red Lions and Stags, and the Red Cubs and Staglets in the juniors division.

Emilio Aguinaldo College is the defending champion in high school.

Other events lined up for the second semester are football on Jan. 12, lawn tennis on Jan. 14, soft tennis on Jan. 18, taekwondo on Feb. 8, badminton on Feb. 20, and cheerleading on March 7.