University of Perpetual Help System Dalta is determined to defend its title when it competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 beach volleyball tournament starting Monday at the Subic Bay Freeport Sand Court in Subic.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Jeff Marapoc and his partner, Louie Ramirez, are bracing for war as they shoot for another crown with veteran tacticians Sammy Acaylar and Macky Cariño as coaches.
“Our mindset is to play hard and improve inside the sand court,” Acaylar, a multi-titled mentor in the collegiate ranks, said.
“I told them not to get complacent and forget about coming in as the champion team. We know other teams have also prepared so we really have to step up and work hard.”
The Las Piñas City-based team is also seeking its fourth title since the sport was included in the league’s calendar of events in Season 83.
Meanwhile, the Lady Altas are also hoping to win the title this year after falling prey to Letran College in the finals last year, 21-17, 21-12.
The Lady Altas will be bannered by the tandem of Mary Rhose Dapol and Krisha Cordero with Mika Donig as backup.
In the juniors division, Janrey Solamillo and Nathna Ciriaco are favored to defend the championship they last won in Season 94 with reigning MVP Noel Kampton and Hero Austria at the helm.
The tandem of Ramirez and Marapoc finished the season at 11-0 after dethroning defending champion Emilio Aguinaldo College in the finals, 21-13, 15-21, 15-13.
