SSC, Letran seek to extend NCAA beach volleyball reigns

San Sebastian seeks to extend its two-year reign in the women’s division while Letran shoots for a repeat in the men’s side as they open their respective campaigns Friday in the 85th NCAA beach volley tournament at the Cantada Sports Center in Taguig City.

Margarita Pepito will have a new partner in a very talented Russel Jalbuna that should boost the Mendiola-based sand babes’ bid of snaring a three-peat. San Sebastian nailed its second straight title by upending College of St. Benilde in the finals last year, thanks to the superb efforts of MVP Lou Ann Latigay and Pepito, who bested the power-hitting pair of Giza Yumang and LC Quemada. Yumang and Quemada, however, are back to avenge their bitter loss last season and end San Sebastian’s reign. Letran should also contend this year as it will be backstopped by the exciting tandem of Kriszelle Morajelo and Gena Andaya as well as Perpetual Help, which will be pinning its hopes on the scrappy duo of Keshia de Luna and April Ann Sartin. The Knights, for their part, will banner last year’s indoor volleyball MVP Warren Pirante, who will be paired with a crisp-hitting Erickson Ramos in the men’s section. The biggest challenge to Letran’s back-to-back bid should come from San Beda, which is composed of the high-leaping pair of Evan Laraya and James Lorca. Letran won it last year behind the sterling performance of Eden Canlas and Ramos, who trounced Gab Usman and Marion Roa of Philippine Christian U, which is now on a leave of absence. - GMANews.TV