NCAA: Benilde eyes women’s volleyball 5-peat; Perpetual, Mapua poised to challenge in Group A

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde aims for a historic fifth consecutive NCAA women’s volleyball championship as it begins its Season 101 campaign on Friday. The Lady Blazers, placed in Group A with Mapua University, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, San Sebastian College–Recoletos, and Jose Rizal University, remain the team to beat despite fielding a younger roster under a new tournament format.

This season signals a fresh start for Benilde, which will compete without key players from its previous championship core—Gayle Pascual, Jade Gentapa, Cloanne Mondoñedo, and Mycah Go—who have turned professional. Head coach Jerry Yee will instead rely on veterans Zam Nolasco, Cristy Ondangan, Chenae Basarte, and Jessa Dorog, supported by returning talents including the Lleses twins (Shahanna and Shekaina), Rhea Densing, Zen Basilio, and Fiona Getigan.

Mapua University, which finished fourth last season, will again depend on star scorer Freighanne Garcia, who set an NCAA record with 38 points in a playoff game last year. She is joined by Nicole Ong, Raissa Ricablanca, Nadince Berces, Hannah De Guzman, and Princess Rebustes under coach Aying Esteban.

Meanwhile, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA fields an experienced lineup led by Shai Omipon, Pauline Reyes, Fianne Ariola, Camille Bustamante, and Joanne Lozano, aiming to return to the Final Four after missing the last two seasons.