Since the return of NCAA volleyball following the tournament’s cancellation due to the pandemic, the league has seen several dominant teams capture the title.
Here’s a look at the NCAA champions over the past five years:
Women’s Volleyball
Seasons 97 to 100 — De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
From Seasons 97 to 100, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde established itself as a dominant force in women’s volleyball, winning four consecutive titles. At one point, the Lady Blazers also recorded 43 straight victories dating back to Season 95 before falling to Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
In Season 100, still under the guidance of head coach Jerry Yee, and powered by a star-studded lineup that included Mycah Go, Mich Gamit, and Jade Gentapa, the Taft-based squad still completed a four-peat.
Season 101 — Colegio de San Juan de Letran
After more than two decades, the women’s volleyball crown returns to Letran.
Following back-to-back finals losses to Benilde, Colegio de San Juan de Letran bounced back stronger and captured the Season 101 title. Letran at one point won 15 straight matches before falling to San Beda University in the semifinals. However, they bounced back and eventually booked a slot in the finals. Letran took Game 1 of the best-of-three series, but fell to Benilde in Game 2. Eventually, Letran found its way to the Season 101 crown in Game 3.
It also marked a full-circle moment for head coach Mayeth Carolino, who was part of the squad that won the school’s last title in 1998.
Men’s Volleyball
Seasons 98 and 99 — University of Perpetual Help System DALTA
No tournament was held in Season 97, but when play resumed the following year, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA showcased its championship pedigree by extending its title run with two more championships, led by current Alas Pilipinas player Louie Ramirez.
The late coach Sammy Acaylar guided the ALTAs as they secured their 13th and 14th titles.
Season 100 — Arellano University
The arrival of head coach Bryan Vitug ushered in a new era for the Chiefs, culminating in their first men’s volleyball title.
Carl Berdal and Adi Villados led the squad to a breakthrough championship.
Season 101 — De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
The Blazing Spikers finally returned to the top.
Benilde last won the title in 2017, when John Vic De Guzman also claimed the MVP award.
After dropping Game 1 of the finals, Benilde bounced back to level the series and eventually captured the championship behind key performances from Finals MVP Reymark Betco and Season 100 MVP Rocky Roy Motol.
—JKC, GMA News
