BY ABBY TORALBA
REIGNING two-time champion College of St. Benilde eyes a triple crown when the 99th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament kicks off this Sunday, April 7.
Last season, the Jerry Yee-mentored Lady Blazers completed a season sweep anew after beating the Lyceum Lady Pirates in the title match.
Finals MVP Jade Gentapa, along with Best Opposite Spiker Gayle Pascual, veteran setter Cloanne Mondonedo, open spiker Jessa Dorog and middle blocker Zham Nolasco led the squad in extending its winning streak to 29 games dating back to 2020.
CSB saw action in the PVL under the banner of Farm Fresh in the off-season and also ruled the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League last year.
This season, former MVP Micah Go is set to return from ACL and MCL injuries.
In men’s play, Perpetual Help seeks a four-peat after copping a third diadem in a row, thanks to reigning MVP Louie Ramirez and coach Sammy Acaylar.
Ramirez, who also bagged the finals MVP plum, alongside Best Opposite Spiker Joshua Zareno, and Jeff Marapoc shone for the Altas last year and are expected to continue showing the way for the team.
Perpetual joined the V-League in the pre-season, while Ramirez toughened up by playing in Japan V. League’s Oita Miyoshi side.
