GAMES TODAY
(SSC-R Gym)
9 a.m. — Arellano vs. Benilde (M)
11 a.m. — Arellano vs. Benilde (W)
1 p.m. — EAC vs. Lyceum (M)
3 p.m. — EAC vs. Lyceum (W)
DEFENDING champion College of Saint Benilde launches its bid for a four-peat when it battles Arellano University today, Thursday, in the opener of the 100th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the San Sebastian gym.
The match is set at 11 a.m., with the Lady Blazers led by former MVP Mycah Go, setter Chenae Basarte, middle blocker Zam Nolasco, and wing spikers Jessa Dorog, Wielyn Estoque and Clydel Catargig.
Mentored by Jerry Yee, the Lady Blazers completed a three-peat last year with a team led by now-pros Cloanne Mondonedo, last season’s MVP, Finals MVP Gayle Pascual, Michelle Gamit and Jade Gentapa.
The Taft-based squad will stake its 40-game winning streak that started in 2020 against an Arellano squad shooting for redemption after missing the finals bus last year.
The Lady Chiefs, led by head coach Obet Javier, advanced to the stepladder semis last season but were knocked out by the Lyceum Lady Pirates.
Kristine Adante, Pauline De Gusman, Laika Tudlasan, Moming Padillon and Harem Ceballos will lead the Lady Chiefs in their bid to do better this year.
Taking center stage in the afternoon women’s session at 1 p.m. are the Lady Pirates, last season’s second runners-up, who will clash with the Emilio Aguinaldo College Lady Generals.
The Lady Pirates have remained intact and are hungry for the title, with graduating two-time best setter Venice Puzon, Joan Doguna and Johna Dolorito leading the way.
