Perpetual starts four-peat quest in NCAA 90 volleyball

Games Wednesday

(MOA Arena, Pasay)

8 a.m. – Opening Ceremony

9 a.m. – Arellano U vs Mapua (w)

            Perpetual vs Jose Rizal (w)

            St. Benilde vs Letran (w)

            San Sebastian vs Lyceum (w)

            San Beda vs Emilio Aguinaldo (w)

MANILA, Philippines – A Perpetual Help team seeking a four-peat feat and an Arellano University and San Sebastian squads out to unseat the former will highlight the women's volleyball competition of the 90th NCAA season unfurling Wednesday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

The Lady Altas, who had to thread through the proverbial eye of the needle to make the finals and beat the Lady Chiefs via the full three-game rout, will be without reigning MVP Royse Tubino and former MVP Norie Jane Diaz.

"We lost our two veterans (Tubino and Diaz) but we're still confident of our chances," said Perpetual Help coach Sammy Acaylar, a former national team coach, in Filipino.

Perpetual Help is expected to rely on starters Jamela Suyat, Cindy Imbo, Anna James Diocareza, Shyrra Cabriana, Coleen Bravo, Lourdes Clemente and Vhima Condada to fill in the Tubido, Diaz voids.

The Lady Chiefs, for their part, will be spearheaded by the prolific CJ Rosario, sister of reigning UAAP Most Improved Player Troy Rosario of National University, as they try to accomplish what they failed to do last year by winning the crown.

The Lady Stags are likewise a force with Shakey's V-League having multi-titled Roger Gorayeb as coach and veteran Gretchel Soltones and talented libero Alyssa Eroa leading the charge.

Action starts with Arellano U battling Mapua at 9 a.m. followed by Perpetual Help's match with Jose Rizal.

After the St. Benilde-Letran joust, San Sebastian faces off with Lyceum.

The heavy schedule will be capped with San Beda battling Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Event chairman Peter Cayco of Arellano U said Shakey's V-League's Tony Liao will be volleyball commissioner and seasoned official Efren Gaa as his deputy.

Aside from Management Committee chair Paul Supan of Jose Rizal, Cayco said Moying Martelino will be guest speaker.

In the men's side, Perpetual Help shoot for its fifth straight title while trying to extend its amazing winning streak to 48 when it clashes with Jose Rizal on Thursday at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Altas have lost MVP Jay dela Cruz but kept the core of its four-peat champion squad to remain the team to beat in the men's side.