Perpetual, SSC clash for volley solo lead

MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help and San Sebastian face off today in an early clash of the favorites as action in the 88th NCAA volleyball resumes at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Altas, the reigning champions, and the Lady Stags meet at 12 noon with the winner wresting the solo lead in the women’s division.

Perpetual, led by April Ann Sartin, reigning MVP Sandra delos Santos, Honey Royce Tubino, Norie Ann Diaz and Janice Abar, kicked off its title-retention campaign with a 25-3, 25-14, 25-4 rout of Mapua while SSC foiled San Beda, 27-25, 25-19, 25-19.

The Las Piñas-based spikers swept their way to the crown with nine straight wins in the elims, three in the semis and a sweep of the best-of-three finals.

Perpetual’s men’s squad, for its part, takes on San Sebastian at 3 p.m.

Jay dela Cruz and Sandy Montero are expected to lead the attack for the Altas, who clobbered the Cardinals, 25-15, 25-19, 25-19, to set in motion their three-peat bid.

Like the men’s and women’s teams, Perpetual’s junior side is also out to keep the crown on a team built around Christopher Soriano, Eldrige Capal, Jherald Martinez, Allen Oledan, Calvin Vargas and libero Miguel Ferrer.