Fresh faces will be on the sidelines for Colegio de San Juan de Letran and San Beda University as the rivals unveil new head coaches for the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball tournament, which tips off on Friday.
The Letran Lady Knights will be led by alumna Mayette Carolino, while the San Beda Lady Red Spikers turn to Kungfu Reyes as they both target a Final Four berth under the league’s new tournament format.
Carolino takes over from Oliver Almadro, who coached the Lady Knights for two seasons and steered them to back-to-back finals appearances. Like Almadro, Carolino is also a Letran alumna, having suited up for the school in the 1990s.
Reyes, meanwhile, replaces Edgar Barroga, who was let go midway through Season 100 and was temporarily succeeded by Joshua Noda.
Letran and San Beda are grouped in Group A alongside Arellano University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, and Emilio Aguinaldo College.
The Lady Knights enter as favorites after consecutive runner-up finishes in the last two seasons.
Vanessa Sarie returns for a redemption campaign following a heartbreaking end to her stellar rookie year in Season 100. She joins seniors Natalie Estreller, Gia Maquilang, Nizelle Martin, Judiel Nitura, and Lara Mae Silva.
San Beda, meanwhile, will be spearheaded by Angel Habacon, along with Janelle Bachar, Sofia Dela Cruz, Patricia Hoponia, and Kat Molina, as the Lady Red Spikers aim to improve on last season’s 4–14 record.
Arellano, which finished third in Season 100, will continue to rely on Laika Tudlasan, Sam Tiratira, Harem Ceballos, Catherine Domasig, Fhaye Mangubat, Moming Padillon, and Heart Villaflores under the steady guidance of head coach Obet Javier.
LPU will finally unleash former Mapua standout Roxie Dela Cruz, who will team up with Heart Bio, Johna Dolorito, Stacey Lopez, Hiromi Osada, and Jaja Tulang as they seek a return to the Final Four.
Emilio Aguinaldo College, meanwhile, will lean on last season’s revelation Erica Bodonal, alongside Alex Razonable, Cara Dayanan, Jing Alimen, and Georgeena Lut. The Lady Generals will also parade a new coach, with Kirk Ong taking over for Rod Palmero.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
