Lady Stags open defense of NCAA volley crown

DEFENDING women’s champion San Sebastian College starts its quest for a seventh straight championship when it tackles hosts San Beda College at the resumption of the 87th NCAA volleyball tournament at the San Beda Gym in Mendiola, Manila.

The Lady Stags, led by two-time Most Valuable Player awardee Joy Benito and teammates Karen Berbano, Dafna Robiños, Bea Uy and libero Mae Crisostomo, trade volleys against the Lioness at 9 a.m., right after the clash of their junior teams at 8 a.m.

The Recto-based volleybelles will be playing minus Bonsai Miraso and Bamcie Belen, who graduated last year, and ace hitter Elaine Cruz, giving the Lioness an even chance of pulling an upset.

The Lioness, who will be led by mainstays Cherry Quizon, Coline Malana, Janine Marciano, Ces Molina and Mona Diolazo will be eyeing a better finish after making it to the Final Four last year.

In the only other women’s tiff, last year’s runner-up Letran Lady Knights test the mettle of the JRU Lady Bombers at 1 p.m. The Knights, who made it to the finals but lost to the Lady Stags, will parade an almost intact crew led by Gena Andaya, Manel Carolino, Lalaine Villarin, Sarah Espelita and Justine Mae Tadeo. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio