De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Arellano University will begin their respective title defense bids as the NCAA Season 101 volleyball tournaments unfurl on January 23.
The Lady Blazers will shoot for an unprecedented five-peat run after ruling the women's divisions since Season 97, while the Chiefs will seek back-to-back titles after capturing their breakthrough crown last year.
Zam Nolasco, Rhea Densing, Clydel Catarig, and Zen Basilio are expected to take charge for the Lady Blazers following the graduation of reigning tournament and Finals MVP Mycah Go.
Arellano, which lost a number of key players from its championship squad like Carl Berdal, Penny Curamen, and Adi Villados, will rely on holdovers Jiwen Sinuto, AC Guinto, and Jake Pangilinan as they look to retain the title.
According to Season 101 volleyball tournament chairman Fr. Vic Calvo of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, a draw on January 16 will set the groupings under the NCAA’s revamped format.
Calvo added that the volleyball tournament will follow the same format as basketball, with the 10 schools divided into two groups. Teams will face opponents within their group twice and play teams from the other group once.
For this season, Calvo shared the games will be held in different venues including the Filoil EcoOil Centre and the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
