UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System Dalta begins its bid for a ‘three-peat’ in the women’s division in the NCAA beach volleyball tournament Saturday at the La Salle Greenhills sand court.
April Ann Sartin and Norie Diaz join forces this season for the Lady Altas after Keshia de Luna, the two-time MVP, completed her playing years.
Perpetual Help will face Arellano University’s Mary Jane Diane Ticar and Jeanilyn Lunar in the morning match at 9 a.m., and the San Beda College tandem of Coline Malana and Janine Marciano at 2:20 p.m. The Chiefs start their bid for a second straight title in the men’s division, while the Junior Altas go for a third successive title in the juniors side of the event.
College of Saint Benilde is this season’s tournament host.
Perpetual Help coach Mike Rafael remains confident of his women’s team chances in continuing their domination.
“Maganda pa rin ang tsansa namin na mapanatili ang championship. Talagang nag-eensayo nang husto sina April at Norie,” said Rafael.
The Lady Altas are expected to face still opposition from Letran’s Gena Andaya and Manel Carolino and the St. Benilde pair of Rossan Fajardo and Cindy Valencia.
The Junior Altas will bank on new players Jherald Martinez and Christopher Vhal Soriano.
With Chris Salvador and John Lozada still around, Arellano is still a heavy favorite in the men’s section. (TJ)
