MANILA, Philippines – Reigning women’s champion Arellano University starts its title defense as it clashes with Mapua even as last year’s runner-up San Sebastian launches its title bid minus three-time league MVP Grethcel Soltones against Emilio Aguinaldo in the 93rd NCAA volleyball tournament unfurling January 4 at the Filoil Arena in San Juan City.
The Lady Chiefs will be parading almost the same roster that helped them swept the Lady Stags — the elimination round sweepers — in three games in the finals with Regine Anne Arocha, Necole Ebuen, Andrea Marzan and Jovielyn Grace Prado returning to lead their campaign.
AU clashes with Mapua at 1:30 p.m.
AU defied the odds last season as it only finished second after the elimination round behind a Soltones-led San Sebastian, which swept its way straight to the finals but ended up beating the latter three straight times in the finals to book the former’s second championship.
“We’re optimistic of our chances but we’re not underestimating the opponents,” said AU management committee representative Peter Cayco.
While AU will parade a veteran and intact roster, San Sebastian will be minus the power-hitting Soltones, the league’s three-time MVP winner who played her last season a year ago, and will only be fielding the minimum of nine players headed by Premier Volleyball League veterans Alyssa Eroa, Vira May Guillema, Joyce Sta. Rita, Nikka Dalisay and Dangie Encarnacon.
Making it worse, one of its players — Julie Ann Tiangco — hurt her knee, leaving coach Roger Gorayeb a tight, seven-woman roster to play with.
“I have no choice but to make do what’s left with the team,” said Gorayeb.
The SSC-EAC duel is set at 12 p.m.