Heading into NCAA Season 101, all eyes shift to the taraflex as teams prepare for the opening joust. Four years of dominance have led to this moment. Can the Lady Blazers secure a historic five-peat, or will a hungrier contender rise to shatter the throne? The Benildean Press Corps sizes up each squad and forecasts their Season 101 run.
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Lady Blazers
Previous standing: 4-peat champions | Season 100 Champions
The Lady Blazers continue to make history in the NCAA women's volleyball, extending their championship reign after responding to the end of their 43-game winning streak with a current 12-game run, capped by a 2-0 sweep of the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán (CSJL) Lady Knights in the best-of-three finals.
Major losses: Mycah Go and Wielyn Estoque
They face a significant transition period following the departures of key veterans, headlined by two-time MVP Mycah Go and outside hitter Wielyn Estoque. Go was the Lady Blazers’ go-to scorer, finishing the elimination rounds with 174 total points while also ranking as the league’s second-best server at 0.33 aces per set, while Estoques’ exit further strips the team of experience and stability.
Key additions: Joenil Ramos, Camila Bartolome, Rhea Tomas, Yesha Rojo, Arianna Pua, Angel Castillo, and Angel Almonia.
Fortunately for the Taft squad, Joenil Ramos’ scoring potential, Rhea Tomas’ floor presence, and Camila Bartolome’s championship pedigree reinforce Benilde’s championship mentality and help sustain the program’s winning culture.
Prediction: 5-peat champions
Benilde’s championship structure, player development, and winning culture remain intact. A balanced mix of holdovers and high-upside recruits strengthens the Lady Blazers’ position to navigate the transition and sustain their dominance in the league, holding onto their crowns as the NCAA’s reigning queens.
Colegio de San Juan de Letrán (CSJL) Lady Knights
Previous standing: 2nd Place
The Letran Lady Knights pulled off a sensational season, with their success anchored by bench depth and rising players who consistently stepped up, especially in crucial matches. Standout players such as Gia Maquilang, Nizelle Martin, Judiel Nitura, along with emerging star Vanessa Sarie, led the charge, powering the Lady Knights through victories and a finals berth.
No major losses
Key additions: Angela Ann Zamudio
Angela Ann Zamudio fortifies the defensive tactics of the Lady Knights by boosting backcourt coverage and ensuring stable first-ball control.
Prediction: 2nd place
The Lady Knights’ talented core and relentless grit poise themselves for a strong campaign. A balance of seasoned veterans, rising standouts, and a strong supporting cast, the team showcases a solid competitive foundation to drive their season as one of the most complete and elite lineups.
Arellano University (AU) Lady Chiefs
Previous standing: 3rd place
The Lady Chiefs showcased a balanced and disciplined style, relying on a mix of steady offense from their outside hitters and structured middle attacks. Their system emphasized consistency and smart rotations, which allowed them to compete closely with top teams. However, they occasionally struggled in high-pressure moments and fifth-set situations, where the lack of a go-to scorer limited their ability to close out matches against elite opponents.
Major losses: Kristine Claire Adante, Pauline De Guzman, Ma. Nenita Padua, and Jazmine Palalon
Kristine Claire Adante’s absence creates a shift in their setter rotation, removing an experienced playmaker from last season. Pauline De Guzman’s departure reduces depth at the opposite position, while the exit of Ma. Nenita Padua and Jazmine Palalon thin the outside hitter pool, impacting wing rotation and offensive coverage.
Key additions: Keisha Alexa Abitria, Ramyshane Antang, Sheena Cafe, Ishy Keil Lacsina, Jasmine Gelaga, Crisanta Servidad, Desaela Gae Segovia
Arellano brings a wave of new talent, led by Keisha Abitria and Ramyshane Antang, who expand the team’s attacking options on the flanks, while Sheena Cafe and Ishy Lacsina reinforce ball distribution. Jasmine Gelaga and the MVPA Best Opposite Hitter Cristina Servidad add scoring support on the right side, while the arrival of Deseala Segovia strengthens the middle unit.
Prediction: 3rd place
Despite reinforced depth and system continuity, Arellano falls just short of true title contention. The Lady Chiefs retain structure, balance, and competitive stability, but the absence of a proven, league-defining scorer and the integration of multiple new rotation pieces limit their ceiling against the top two teams. Still, Arellano is well-positioned to secure a podium finish while remaining a step behind the league’s dominant programs.
Lyceum University of the Philippines (LPU) Lady Pirates
Previous standing: 6th place
Despite being regarded as remarkable competitors, able to perform exquisitely, reflecting progression, and clinching a Final Four spot for two consecutive seasons, the Lady Pirates’ quest unfortunately resulted in an upset finish, ending their campaign with an 8-8 record.
Major losses: Venice Puzon
As the two-time best setter Venice Puzon concluded her tenure with the Lady Pirates, her experience and leadership left a void for the Muralla squad. Her stability along with her ability to run offense was a key part of the Pirates’ success. Though her absence may pose a challenge, the arrival of new recruits makes the squad one to watch.
Key addition: Gynwyth Taghoy, Sarah Joy Lumbang, Ella Mae Maylas, Zchyren Mediavilla, Ayah Gaurana, Monna Sherina Banares, Roxie Dela Cruz
The introduction of talented athletes provides the team with a diverse pool of skills and firepower. Sarah Joy Lumbag and Roxie Dela Cruz are seasoned veterans expected to contribute their experience to the squad, while Gynwyth Taghoy, Ella Mae Maylas, Zchyren Mediavilla, Ayah Gaurana, Monna Sherina Banares help widen player selection.
Prediction: 4th place
The Lady Pirates' quick shift from being one of the top-tier competitors to a turnaround outplay has put a setback in their standing. Compounding the challenge, the retirement of the team’s best setter adds another hurdle they have to cross in reclaiming their legacy as a perennial championship powerhouse.
Mapua University (MU) Lady Cardinals
Previous standing: 4th place
After back-to-back losses early in the season, the Lady Cardinals reeled off a seven-game win streak in the first round, gritted through the toughest of nail-biting set extensions which ultimately sealed a Final Four spot with a slate of 11-7.
Major losses: Roxie Dela Cruz
Mapua lost rising star Roxie Dela Cruz as the spiker decided to depart from the Lady Cardinals to its neighboring competitor, the Lyceum University of the Philippines (LPU) Lady Pirates.
Key additions: Zyra Danica Morales, Juliana Marie Estudillo, Alexander Leabres, Svetlana Crystal Joan Cayanan, Zairylle Jade Sistado, Laurene Alexis Yap, Divine Shane Villagera
The Lady Cardinals expanded their talent pool with newly acquired players. Zyra Danica Morales joins from the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws while Juliana Marie Estudillo arrives after stints with both the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Lady Blazers. These additions strengthen the team’s offensive firepower on both pins. Alexander Leabres, Svetlana Crystal Joan Cayanan, and Zairylle Jade Sistado also join and are ready to add depth to the squad’s offense. The team further elevates its defense by bringing in libero Divine Shane Villagera and frontline anchor Laurene Alexis Yap.
Prediction: 5th place
Despite the departure of one of its promising stars, the stage is set for Raissa Ricablanca and Freighanne Garcia, who have exhibited strong potential as key contributors to lead the charge and fight back for a spot on this season’s Final Four. However, with multiple teams entering the season hungrier and more aggressive, Mapua—still in search of its first NCAA women’s volleyball title—may find itself falling just short of the podium.
Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Lady Generals
Previous standing: 9th place
The Lady Generals endured a challenging campaign marked by uneven performances and limited offensive continuity. They showed effort in defensive sequences and transition play but struggled to sustain pressure against more established lineups. Matches were often dictated by opponent tempo, exposing gaps in depth and late-set execution.
Major losses: Anne Jelyn Formento, Jennifer Omapas, Ashley Nicole Magnayi, Jamaica Villena, Angel Lorrien Atlao, Florence Jane Domo, and Gekeshzra Garcia
The loss of multiple rotation players strips the Lady Generals of experience across several positions, affecting both offensive reliability and defensive stability. With much of last season’s core gone, leadership and system familiarity become immediate concerns entering the new campaign.
Key additions: Marielle Dequilla, Pauli Anne Valle, Trisha Dequilla, Kirsten Carpizo, Andrea Faith Bajo, Angel Joy Perez, Ma. Shamira Pantoja, Jaed Nicole Sayago, Ashley Corisse Toriado, Ancelle Mae Porras, and Coach Kirk Ong
Among the newcomers, Marielle Dequilla and Trisha Dequilla stand out as potential early contributors, offering versatility and athletic upside. Pauli Anne Valle and Kirsten Carpizo add depth on the wings, while Andrea Faith Bajo and Jaed Nicole Sayago provide options in system roles that could stabilize rotation minutes as the season progresses. The program has also turned to Coach Kirk Ong, ushering in a new coaching era. His arrival suggests a philosophical shift focused on structure, discipline, and long-term player development.
Prediction: 6th place
A new coaching staff and an almost entirely rebuilt roster, the Lady Generals face an uphill climb. The San Marcelino squad shows developmental promise, particularly among select recruits, but cohesion and execution remain works in progress. Against more established programs, inexperience is likely to surface over extended matches, though the foundation for future competitiveness is clearly in place.
University of the Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Lady Altas
Previous standing: 5th place
The Lady Altas started strong early in Season 100, but missed a Top 4 finish after absorbing a loss to the Lady Blazers in the eliminations, ending with a 9-9 record. They overcame teams like the San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Lady Stags, but struggled against the Lady Blazers and Lady Knights.
Major losses: Winnie Bedaña and Tracy Andal
Significant gaps need to be filled after the graduation of veterans like Winnie Bedaña and Tracy Andal. They are the team’s middle blocker and defensive anchor, and their departure from the team marks the end of the team’s veteran core. Coach Sandy will need to address the loss of major players as the team prepares for Season 101.
Key addition: Desiree Gecobe, Lexie Villanueva, Angie Rosales, CM Atlas
Luckily, new recruits Desiree Gecobe’s defense and Lexie Villanueva, Angie Rosales, and CM Atlas’ middle blocking position help to fill the void left by graduating veteran players.
Prediction: 7th place
Entering Season 101 with the loss of key veterans and without major star power, they risk falling behind more aggressive and upgraded lineups, despite a motivated Coach Sandy Rieta and promising reinforcements, placing them just outside the league’s upper tier.
San Beda University (SBU) Red Lionesses
Previous standing: 8th place
The Lady Red Spikers ended Season 101 women’s volleyball with a top 8 finish and a 4-14 record. They showed improvement under interim coach Joshua Noda but fell short during playoffs.
Major losses: Reyann Cañete
As San Beda starts the Season 101 of NCAA, veteran captain Reyann Cañete left a big void to fill for the Lady Red Spikers’ rotation. However, key players like previous Rookie of the Year Angel Habacon and veteran player Katleya Molina are leading the squad.
Key addition: Amber Lily Biong, Chynna Castillo, Gina Espina, Gwen Bañas, Coach Kung Fu Reyes
Returning players such as Amber Lilly Biong will surely improve for defense and Gina Espina for setting. They will also undergo a new chapter as Coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes takes over coaching for this new season.
Prediction: 8th place
A balanced approach of youth and experience and new leadership, but the loss of its primary offensive leader limits its ceiling. Improvements remain possible with a new coach, though consistency against deeper and more established lineups coupled with San Beda’s status as one of the few schools yet to capture an NCAA women’s volleyball championship may keep them in the lower half of the standings.
San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Lady Stags
Previous standing: 7th place
The Lady Stags relied heavily on defensive grit and extended rallies last season, often staying competitive through strong floor coverage and disciplined blocking schemes. They showed flashes of cohesion, particularly in transition play, but inconsistency in offensive execution and limited scoring options prevented them from breaking into the upper tier.
Major losses: Von Aleina Dimaculangan and Jaimee Rose Bacolod
Aleina Dimaculangan’s departure leaves a notable void in playmaking, stripping the team of a primary organizer who dictated tempo and stabilized the offense. Jaimee Bacolod’s exit further impacts floor defense, removing a steady presence in reception and backcourt coverage.
Key addition: Yden Iona Guillero, October Pastrana, and Trisha Mae Pulmones
The Lady Stags address the departures by reinforcing key system positions. Yden Guillero provides a fresh option as setter, offering renewed structure and competition in ball distribution. Meanwhile, October Pastrana and Trisha Pulmones strengthen the libero rotation, injecting depth and energy into serve reception and defensive transitions.
Prediction: 9th place
Despite targeted reinforcements, San Sebastian enters the season at a disadvantage compared with more established and deeper lineups. Offensive firepower remains a concern, and the transition to new playmakers may slow early-season cohesion. The Lady Stags are capable of stealing sets through discipline and defensive resolve, sustained competitiveness across full matches remains uncertain. Despite holding the most championships in NCAA women’s volleyball history, San Sebastian’s glory days lie far in the past, and translating legacy into present contention remains a challenge.
Jose Rizal University (JRU) Lady Bombers
Previous standing: 10th place
Last season’s roster purge left the Lady Bombers with a roster packed with young and rookie athletes, a group still adjusting to the intensity of NCAA play. This led the squad to multiple errors and inconsistencies, landing them a sorrow spot at the bottom with a 3-15 record.
Major losses: Lei Greycie Martinez and Mhyka Caballero
Their departure will slim down the team’s roster, reducing the margin for error and posing additional challenges. Even with limited playing time, the loss of Lei Greycie Martinez and Mhyka Caballero decreased the pool of substitutes, trimming the squad’s depth.
No key addition
Prediction: 10th place
In the stagnance of JRU, they are still flying under the radar with their saving grace this season is the drive for a redemption arc. Turning that motivation into consistent on-court performance, however, remains a challenge the program has faced in recent seasons.
The verdict:
The NCAA hardcourt returns with familiar faces and fresh talent, and off-season performances hint at surprises ahead. The Lady Blazers chase for a historic five-peat, but this time without the safety net that made dominance look routine. The departure of Mycah Go strips Benilde of its primary offensive engine and its most reliable answer in high-pressure moments, raising the difficulty of sustaining the dynasty.
Even so, their system has never relied on a single star. Encouraging preseason results and the rise of new contributors shows that the Lady Blazers remain capable of contending, though sustaining their dominance will require adjustment against a field increasingly hungry for the title.
Catch the Benilde Blazers and Lady Blazers in action on Friday, Jan. 23, live on NCAA Philippines’ YouTube and Facebook pages.
