LAST season’s finalists College of Saint Benilde and Letran hope to open their respective second round campaigns on a high note as they play struggling foes today in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The four-peat seeking Lady Blazers take on Jose Rizal University at 2:30 p.m., right after the Lady Knights go up against winless San Beda at 11 a.m.

Tied with University of Perpetual Help and Mapua at 7-2 after the first round, Benilde and Letran are aiming for break away from a four-way logjam on top and seize the top two.

Bannered by former MVP Mycah Go, Wewe Estoque, Clydel Catarig and Zam Nolasco, the Lady Blazers squad are poised for another championship.

But things won’t be easy, as Benilde saw its 43-match winning streak came to an end in the first round and have already lost twice this season.

Eager to avenge their Finals heartbreaker last season, first round scoring leader rookie Sheena Sarie, Judiel Nitura, Gia Maquilang and Lara Mae Silva will lead the Lady Knights as they gear up for a strong second round showing and make it back to the league’s biggest stage.

Sporting 1-8 and 0-9 records, respectively, there’s no way for the Lady Bombers and the Lady Red Spikers to go up after their disappointing efforts in the first round.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado