REIGNING three-time men’s champion University of Perpetual Help System Dalta remains as hot title favorites as the NCAA volleyball tournament kicks off on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

The Altas of decorated coach Sinfronio “Sammy” Acaylar are tipped to win their fourth consecutive crown as they parade an intact roster led by reigning MVP Louie Ramirez, Michael Medalla, KC Andrade, Jeff Marapoc, JC Enarciso and Philip Pepito.

“Sa totoo lang, it’s very hard to prepare because we are defending champions, all eyes are on us, only one player ang nag-graduate is Joshua Zareño, mostly intact ang line up ko,” Acaylar said in an interview.

“So far maganda naman ang preseason namin, for the tune ups, maybe alignment nalang sa mental toughness nila ang dinidevelop ko, kapag nauunahan sila at sometimes nawawala sa focus sa laro.” he added.

Perpetual has added rookies Klint Mateo, Dexter Arrozado, John Castil, Christian Taytayon and James Pascua for this season.

The Altas want to duplicate their impressive title run in 2010 to 2014 and become the league’s most successful men’s volleyball program under the belt of Acaylar. The Las Piñas-based spikers now have 13 titles, same with Letran.

Perpetual annexed its third consecutive crown last year by defeating San Beda in their best-of-three championship series that went to distance.

Acaylar also mentioned John Lituania, Kirth Rosos, Kobe Tabuga, Arianne Teodoro and Sean Codeniera, as they will also give the needed support the team.

The Lady Altas of coach Sandy Rieta, meanwhile, eye a good start for this season due to the team’s good preseason.

Perpetual, which finished third finished with an intact line up led Season 98 MVP Mary Rhose Dapol, Best Libero Tracy Andal and setter Jhasmine Sapin last year, is aiming to enter the semis round again this season.

The Dr. Antonio Tamayo-owned Lady Altas got a boost as they won the inaugural Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association last December, carrying the name Bacoor Strikers.

The MPVA triumph will be the Lady Altas’ inspiration towards the NCAA, as Rieta will parade team captain Razel Aldea, Bebang Ocado, Krisha Cordero, Winnie Bedaña Charisse Enrico and Shaila Omipon to back up Dapol, Andal and Sapin.

Rieta has also added rookie recruits Micay Mindanao, Cyrille Almeniana, Fianne Ariola, Daizerlyn Uy, Nicollete Gaa and Camille Bustamante to boost Perpetual.