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#NCAA98: BPC predicts back-to-back championship for Lady Blazers


With the NCAA Season 98 Women’s Volleyball tournament right around the corner, let’s see how each team might fare in the standings heading into the upcoming season.


By Kobe Balderas, and Driks Valencia | Friday, 17 February 2023

The NCAA Volleyball action is fast approaching, and the teams are more than ready to represent their school. Will the Lady Blazers remain queens of NCAA Volleyball? Or will a new team rise to claim the title? As the Benildean Press Corps makes its predictions for the upcoming volleyball competition, let’s look at the critical changes from each team and determine who will stand the best among the competing teams.

 

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Lady Blazers

Previous Standing: Champions

The Lady Blazers embarked on a spectacular run the previous season, sweeping the eliminations round and going unbeaten to set up a step ladder format for the final four. The ladies in green and white trounced every team they played and resumed where they left off before the pandemic, returning the women's volleyball championship to Taft.

 

Major Loss: Mycah Go 

The reigning champions will be one lady short heading into NCAA Season 98 after NCAA Season 97 MVP and former team captain Mycah Go sustained a major knee injury during one of the team's preseason games, keeping her on the sidelines for the whole season.

Key Additions: Clydel Catarig, Jessa Dorog, Wielyn Estoque, Zamantha Nolasco 

Despite losing their MVP and team captain, the Lady Blazers bolstered their roster with hard-hitting newcomers. Clydel Catarig, Jessa Dorog, Wielyn Estoque, and Zamantha Nolasco played for the Lady Blazers during their stints in the Shakey's Super League and the 2022 V-league, where they showed promising signs, helping the team reach the V-League semi-finals before losing to their UAAP sisters, the Adamson University (AU) Soaring Lady Falcons.

 

Prediction: Back-to-back champions

Taking away any biases, the team can still remain at the top of the standings and maintain their title despite losing Go, an important offensive player for the team. The  Lady Blazers kept its championship team's core players, including finals MVP Gayle Pascual, middle blocker Mich Gamit, outside hitter Jade Gentapa, and newly appointed team captain Cloanne Mondonedo. As a result, it shouldn't be surprising if the Lady Blazers ascend to the top once more; nevertheless, the path back to the finals and the title will be much more difficult.

 

Arellano University (AU) Lady Chiefs

Previous Standing: 1st Runner-up

The NCAA Women's Volleyball tournament defending champions were driven to win a fourth straight championship. The Lady Chiefs were the astounding favorites to win the championship going into the season, but they finished the elimination round as the second seed. After recording a 7-2 win-loss record, the Lady Chiefs would return to the championship stage for the fourth consecutive season, where they lost their title to the Lady Blazers.

Major Loss: Carla Donato

Carla Donato, the former team captain and exceptional middle blocker, won't be wearing a Lady Chiefs uniform in their next campaign. Donato, who played her final season as a graduating senior, has completed all her eligible playing years. With her departure, the Lady Chiefs lost not only an outstanding player but also their leader. Donato was a key player for the Lady Chiefs during their three consecutive championships from NCAA Season 92 to NCAA Season 94. In Season 97, Donato played a crucial role for the Lady Chiefs in their bid to win their fourth consecutive championship.

 

Key Additions: Laika Tudlasan, Alona Caguicla, Harem Ceballos

Following a painful season finale, the Lady Chiefs are out to recapture their title from the ladies of Taft by adding valuable recruits to their team. For the Lady Chiefs, players like Laika Tudlasan, Alona Caguicla, and Harem Ceballos are all set to go. All three participated in preseason competitions held around the country. Tudlasan showed promise in the Shakey's Super League, and Caguicla and Ceballos represented Arellano in the recently concluded NCAA Season 98 Women's Beach Volleyball Tournament.

 

Prediction: 1st Runner-up

The Lady Chiefs are poised for a comeback despite losing their coveted championship last season. With a nearly intact roster, holdovers like newly appointed team captain Trina Abay and Charmina Dio, as well as important additions of sought-after recruits Tudlasan, Caguicla, and Ceballos, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Lady Chiefs end up back in the finals chasing for the title once more.

 

San Sebastian College–Recoletos (SSC-R) Lady Stags

Previous Standing: 3rd Seed

The San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Lady Stags had a promising NCAA Season 97. They were one of the final four teams to compete in the playoffs and finished the elimination stage with a 6-3 win-loss record. Sadly, the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Lady Bombers defeated the Lady Stags in the opening round of the final four, ending the Lady Stags' season.

 

Major Losses: Jamie Guibao, Shane Requierme, Angela Ultu 

The Lady Stags will enter NCAA Season 98 without Shane Requierme, Jamie Guibao, and Angela Ultu after a solid outing in Season 97. Last season, all three were vital to the Lady Stags' effort to recapture the women's volleyball championship.

 

Key Addition: Jassy Lumibao

Middle blocker Jassy Lumibao stood out the most on a team packed with fresh names and faces. Lumibao played considerable minutes and showed promising signs for the Lady Stags throughout their stints in Shakey's Super League and the 2022 V-league. Lumibao hopes to assist the Lady Stags to break their title drought in NCAA Season 98.

 

Prediction: 4th or 5th seed

The Lady Stags had an up-and-down pre-season, winning and losing on alternate occasions. The departures of Guibao, Requierme, and Ultu significantly influenced the squad, pushing the younger players to step up immediately. The Lady Stags could still make the final four, but with a squad full of new faces, it wouldn't be surprising if their attempt to end their title drought falls short this season.

Jose Rizal University (JRU) Lady Bombers

Previous Standing: 4th Seed

The Jose Rizal University (JRU) Lady Bombers made it to the final four the previous season. After keeping most of their prior lineup, they were one of the most sought-after teams. The Lady Bombers were the fourth seed in the rankings. They defeated the SSC-R Lady Stags to go to the semi-finals, where they met the NCAA Season 95 Champions, the Arellano University (AU) Lady Chiefs. 

 

No major losses or additions

With some names off the active roster, the Lady Bombers brought in new faces; however, despite the recruits they brought in, the Lady Bombers had an underwhelming pre-season after going winless in the Shakey’s Super League. Moreover, the team’s holdovers, Riza Rose, Jerry Laurente, and Lyka Egera, carried most of the load during the tourney, while the newly added players had a baffling debut. 

 

Prediction: 5th or lower

After a winless run in the Shakey's Super League and a disappointing 10th-place finish in the recently concluded NCAA Women's Beach Volleyball tournament with a record of 1-8, it wouldn't be surprising if the Lady Bombers failed to return to the final four in the upcoming season, despite the strong performances from their key holdovers.

 

Mapua University (MU) Lady Cardinals

Previous Standing: 5th

The previous season, the Mapua University (MU) Lady Cardinals fell short of reaching the final four following a heartbreaking loss in a vital match against the already-eliminated Colegio de San Juan de Letrán (CSJL) Lady Knights. Despite the setback, the Lady Cardinals showed encouraging indications in the previous season that they may build on this season.

Major Losses: Jonina Fernandez, Wellamae Ortega

Jonina Fernandez and Wellamae Ortega, two of the Lady Cardinals' key players who were graduating seniors during Season 98, will not be returning for the upcoming year. Big shoes are left for the Lady Cardinals' current players to fill after their departure.

 

Key Additions: Nadine Berces 

During the Lady Cardinals’ stint in the Shakey’s Super League, it was the dawn of rookie Nadine Berces. Despite the Lady Cardinals' lackluster performance in the tournament, Berces showed promising signs for the Lady Cardinals. She was pivotal in the Lady Cardinals’ lone win in the tournament against the San Beda University (SBU) Lady Red Spikers after converting clutch plays over another. 

 

Prediction: 4th 

Despite losing Fernandez and Ortega, the Lady Cardinals witnessed the improvement of holdovers Chenie Batac and Angelie Manalo, who were essential components for the Lady Cardinals the previous season. Both players strived forward, taking command of the team's attack during the pre-season. The Lady Cardinals fell short last year, and hopefully, in the upcoming season, they will finally crack the final four.  

 

Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU)  Lady Pirates 

Previous Standing: 6th seed

The Lyceum of the Philippines (LPU) Lady Pirates were short of a final-four finish last season with a 4-5 win-loss record. A win against the last-seeded EAC would have boosted their chances in the final four. The team landed 6th, with losses mainly over the final four teams.

No major losses or additions 

 

Prediction: 6th

Lyceum is one of the teams maintaining its core players for the upcoming NCAA Season 98. The team had a short stint in the Shakey's Super League during the pre-season, most of which were against the dominant UAAP teams. Although the team didn't have a catchy outing during the pre-season, they surely benefited from it. Expect the Lady Pirates with a talented roster coming in the season. With Zonxi Dahab and Johna Dolorito paving the way for the Lady Pirates, we anticipate the team to have more successful chemistry and familiarity in the league.

 

San Beda University (SBU) Lady Red Spikers

Previous Standing: 7th seed

The San Beda University (SBU) Lady Red Spikers had a forgettable campaign during the NCAA Season 97, only accumulating two wins in eight games, with a seventh-seed standing. The Lady Red Spikers have forfeited their last game against the Lady Altas. Coming off from a final-four finish in Season 95, San Beda definitely failed to exceed the expectations of their audience. 

No major losses

  

Key addition: Kleinross Abraham, Angel Mae Habacon

The San Beda Lady Red Spikers are coming in the season loaded with new faces, including the hard hitters Kleinross Abraham and Angel Mae Habacon, who already earned heavy minutes during their pre-season campaign and are expected to be critical factors for the team. 

 

Prediction: 8th

San Beda's volleyball program is surely in a good phase of revamp. Their pre-season campaign showed what's expected of them. However, they must hone their familiarity with the NCAA grounds, especially for a new-faced team. Despite being a rebuilding team, reliable stars such as Trisha Paras and a promising Angel Habacon are ensuring that the Red Lady Spikers have something to prove in the coming season. 

 

University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Lady Altas

Previous Standing: 8th seed

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) Lady Altas is one of the teams to watch for in the final four. However, the team had a ragged campaign with a 2-6 win-loss record that eventually put them in the 8th seed. The team also forfeited their final game with San Beda and identified the forfeiture as non-recognizable. Being a rebuilding team, they surely have toughened their NCAA Season 97 campaign. 

Major Losses: Jenny Gaviola

The Lady Altas will have to surrender a massive experience advantage in losing Jenny Gaviola. The veteran spiker for the Lady Altas significantly contributed to the team during the previous season. Considered the team leader, the Lady Altas won't just lose a reliable player but also a reliable team leader.

 

No key addition 

 

Prediction: 7th or better

The Lady Altas may have been attracting the volleyball collegiate scene during the past months. They are coming off an impressive preseason campaign after qualifying in the second round of the 2022 Shakey's Super League, where UAAP teams usually hover. If the Altas would be able to replicate their pre-season groove, expect the team to have higher chances of being in the final four. Showcasing the volleyball stars Charmaine Ocado, Razel Aldea, and Janine Padua, the Lady Altas may regain their image as one of the threats for the final four spots.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Lady Knights

Previous Standing: 9th

The Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Lady Knights may have a long way to go for their 9th title in the NCAA Women’s Volleyball tournament after tallying two wins and seven losses in the previous NCAA Season 97. The Lady Knights made a poor outing, resulting in a 9th-place finish. 

 

No major losses or additions 

 

Prediction: 9th

The Lady Knights are one of the teams who didn't adjust in the team lineups, given that they didn't lose any key players. Coming off a successful beach volleyball stint, Chamberlaine Cunada can give the Lady Knights the weapon they need to compete in the NCAA. The team will also grace the playing court with promising talents in Julienne Castro and Shereena Urmaneta. A sound system and familiarity will be a helpful boost for the team. Expect the team to have the same outing as last season until they have found their groove on the playing court.

 

Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Lady Generals

Previous Standing: 10th

The Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Lady Generals may take a while until they can get their first NCAA Women’s Volleyball title. The Lady Generals finished the season with a 2-7 record, taking the last place in the tournament. 

No major losses or additions 

Prediction: 10th

The Lady Generals could need time to become more comfortable on NCAA premises. To be able to compete at the top level, the squad would need to put in more work on improving as a whole. The Lady Generals would probably have more opportunities to move up the leaderboards with an improvement on the defensive side. Thankfully, Krizzia Reyes, regarded as a troublesome spiker by the opposition, can help the Lady Generals have a strong run in the upcoming NCAA Season 98.

 

The Verdict

Some teams reloaded, others stuck with what they had, and a few completely revamped their lineup. Despite the changes for all the teams, it would be no surprise that the road to the NCAA Season 98 Women’s Volleyball crown will be a tough battle.

 

The Lady Blazers look to defend their crown in the upcoming season in hopes of back-to-back championships. Although the journey will be tougher this time, one thing is for sure: the Lady Blazers will strive to do all things extraordinarily. 


Catch the opening of the NCAA Season 98 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the San Andres Complex in Malate, Manila, with a live telecast on NCAA Philippines’ Youtube and Facebook page.