Altas open ‘NC’ volley defense

MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help opens its bid for a fourth straight championship as it clashes with Jose Rizal in today’s start of the 90th NCAA women’s volleyball at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

The Lady Altas, who won their third straight title by edging out the Arellano University Lady Chiefs in three games last year, will be without their veterans and former MVP winners Royse Tubino and Norie Jane Diaz, who have already graduated, as they seek for a rare four-peat.

Perpetual coach Sammy Acaylar will now pin his hopes on Jamela Suyat, Cindy Imbo, Anna James Diocareza, Shyrra Cabriana, Coleen Bravo, Lourdes Clemente and Vhima Condada.

“Although we will miss them (Tubino, Diaz), I have faith in my other players that they can get the job done,” said Acaylar in Filipino.

Out to foil Perpetual Help’s bid are Arellano U and San Sebastian, a semifinalist last year.

The Lady Chiefs are expected to rely on CJ Rosario while the Lady Stags will be led by Shakey’s V-League veteran Gretchel Soltones and talented libero Alyssa Eroa with multi-titled coach Roger Gorayeb at the helm.

Arellano U will take on Mapua at 9 a.m. while San Sebastian will tangle with Lyceum.

The other matches of the heavy five-game bill will pit St. Benilde against Letran in the third game and San Beda versus Emilio Aguinaldo College in the fifth and final match of the day.

Arellano U’s Peter Cayco, who chairs the group organizing volleyball, said Shakey’s V-League’s Moying Martelino will be guest speaker in simple opening rights set at 8 a.m.

Tony Liao is the league commissioner.

The men’s competition unfolds the next day with Perpetual Help ushering in its sixth-peat feat campaign by facing off Jose Rizal at The Arena in San Juan City.