Reigning NCAA women’s volleyball champions College of St. Benilde will parade only one rookie in their quest to defend their back-to-back title.

Clydel Catarig, an opposite spiker from Bogo City, Cebu, will make her much-awaited debut for the Lady Blazers in NCAA Season 99.

According to Catarig, being part of a championship team brings so much pressure as a rookie, especially for someone coming from the province.

“Syempre pressure sad para sa ako kay daghan kaayo kog adjustment sa akong kaugalingon sa court,” she said.

The CSB Lady Blazers also participated in numerous pre-season tournaments to prepare for the NCAA.

“Daghan kaayo mig preparations sa Season 99 kay syempre among mga kalaban ga-prepare pud baya so kailangan pud namo mag prepare sa among team pud.

Despite being new to the team, Catarig is raring to level-up her game and showcase her skills in the hardwood to help the team.

“Nagbag-o man ang sistema ni coach so kailangan jud nako mag-improve pa this upcoming season 99 para makatabang pud sa team namo,” she said.

The second year BSBA in Human Resource Management student started playing volleyball in ninth grade for her school back in her hometown.

“Duwa-duwa ra sa mga intrams sa school and then nakitaan og potential,” she said.

It was her fellow Cebuana and NCAA Season 97 Most Valuable Player Mycah Go who saw her potential and paved the way for her to play for the green and white.

“Si Ate Mycah [Go] man gud iya kong gi-refer kay coach [Jerry Yee]… tas sabi niya kay coach ngaa naa kuno’y player nga naay potential and then ma-o to gipaari ko ni coach,” Catarig said.

It will just be a matter of time before Catarig adjusts fully to the system of the Lady Blazers, especially with the veteran presence and championship experience of its core that include her idol, Gayle Pascual.