Two heavyweight matches will raise the curtains in the highly-anticipated return of women's volleyball action in the NCAA Season 97 on Saturday at the Paco Arena.
Arellano University will set in motion its four-peat championship drive when it takes on Mapua University in the opening salvo at 12 p.m. before De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and San Beda University wrap up the double-header at 2:30 p.m.
All eyes will be on both Arellano and Benilde as only these two schools have ruled the tournament for the past five seasons.
Arellano copped its maiden title in Season 90 when the pack led by Danna Henson and Menchie Tubiera edged powerhouse San Sebastian-College in the finals while CSB ruled the competition the following year.
Arellano vented ire in the succeeding three seasons, bagging the title in Seasons 92, 93, and 94 and inched closer to a rare four-straight crown but the pandemic forced the league to cancel Season 95 in 2020.
Now, the Obet Javier-mentored squad is raring to start anew with Princess Bello and team captain Carla Donato steering the wheel.
CSB, meanwhile, will bank on the duo of Mycha Go and Gayle Pascual with veteran mentor Jerry Yee still calling the shots as they face San Beda led by team captain Justine Lapid.
—MGP, GMA News
