Pinoy Spikers (Philippine Spike)

THE much-awaited NCAA women’s volleyball tournament, kicks off Sunday at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gym.

College of Saint Benilde begins its campaign for the elusive championship in the distaff side against Emilio Aguinaldo College at 2:30 p.m.

In the other women’s division match, Letran and Jose Rizal University collide at 10:30 a.m.

Bridesmaids in the last three seasons, the Lady Blazers are facing a rough ride with Katty Kwan, Trina Maranan, LC Quemada and Zharmaine Velez already completed their playing eligibility.

St. Benilde, which lost to five-time champion San Sebastian College in three games last season, will bank on holdovers Giza Yumang, Rossan Fajardo, Ren Agero, Janel Lim and Thea Africa.

The Lady Stags of multi-titled mentor Roger Gorayeb are still heavily favored to win it all with reigning MVP Joy Benito, Elaine Cruz, Dafna Robiños, Bamcie Belen and Bonsai Mirasol still around.

San Sebastian will plunge into action Monday against University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in an early duel of pre-season favorites.

Getting in much-needed experience by joining the recently-concluded Shakey’s V-League, the Lady Altas will lean on Keshia de Luna, April Ann Sartin, Sandra delos Santos, Ronnery dela Cruz and Claire Bulatao.

The Knights will seek for a fourth straight men’s crown, while the Junior Altas are eyeing to extend their domination in for a third straight season in high school play.

Tournament format shows that the nine teams will slug it out in a single round eliminations.

The top four teams will advance to the semifinals, which is also a single round affair, with the survivors advancing into the best-of-three championship.  (TJ)