WNCAA: Lyceum opens fourth title defense vs. favored RTU

Lyceum of the Philippines University will start its bid to win a fourth straight basketball crown when it faces likewise title favorite Rizal Technological University in Saturday’s main game in the opening of the 40th WNCAA season at the Astrodome.

Host Angelicum College Roebucks, on the other hand, will face St. Scholastica's College in the juniors division set at 2 p.m. after the two-hour long opening ceremony at 12 noon. The Lady Pirates will also start their quest for a 10th straight volleyball title when competitions begin on Sunday. Lyceum takes on Miriam College at 3 p.m. Before the opening matches, Angelicum will be presenting the traditional opening show to usher in the league’s 40th season. The 16 members schools will also vie for top honors in badminton, cheerleading, futsal, swimming, taekwondo and table tennis. The league will also be welcoming the return of founding member Chiang Kai Shek College after a one-year leave of absence while St. Jude Catholic School will be competing for the first time in the country’s first and only tri-level league for women. Movie personality and bodybuilding enthusiast Jackie Lou Blanco will be the guest of honor and after her opening speech, US Ambassador Kristie Kenney will lead the ceremonial toss. Miriam topped the overall 2008 midget and junior division championship trophies while St. Scholastica won the seniors crown. Philippine Women’s University (senior table tennis), San Beda Alabang (junior cheerleading), St. Stephen’s High School (junior swimming and table tennis), La Salle Antipolo (junior badminton) and College of St. Benilde (senior badminton) will also be defending their titles this year. – Perry Legaspi, GMANews.TV