NCAA volleyball finals kick off

Games Wednesday

(The Arena, San Juan)

9 a.m. – Perpetual vs Lyceum (Jrs)

12 p.m. – Arellano vs San Sebastian (W)

2 p.m. – EAC vs St. Benilde (M)

MANILA, Philippines – Perpetual Help looms as the favorite in the high school division while Arellano University and Emilio Aguinaldo College the fancied teams in the women's and men's sections when the 90th NCAA volleyball finals unfurls today at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Junior Altas, out to win their first title since winning a back-to-back four years ago, swept the semifinals in three matches to barge into the finals against the Lyceum Junior Pirates set at 9 a.m.

The Lady Chiefs, for their part, battle the San Sebastian Lady Stags for the women's crown at 12 noon while the Generals tangle with the College of St. Benilde Blazers for the men's title at 2 p.m.

Game Two is scheduled on Friday while a deciding Game Three, if necessary, is on Monday, same time, same venue.

Arellano U will try to win it this time after coming a set away from dethroning eventual three-peat champion Perpetual Help last year.

"Hopefully this would be our year," said Arellano coach Obet Javier.

For San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb, he stressed his Lady Stags are the underdogs.

"They're the bigger team. We'll just try to make it up with our speed," said Gorayeb, who last steered the Lady Stags to a six-peat feat four seasons ago.

EAC will be appearing in the finals for the second straight season after getting swept eventual champion Perpetual Help.

It will take a St. Benilde squad that has made it back to the finals since advancing that far eight years ago before getting beaten by Letran.