Key losses: Trina Abay, Nicole Sasuman
Key holdovers: Dodee Batindaan, Laika Tudlasan, Charmina Diño
Season 98 record: 5-4
For a team that's used to winning, it is never easy to accept defeats.
However, for Arellano University, a former three-time champion in the NCAA women's volleyball tournament, these losses will only make them stronger as they look to reclaim the throne come Season 99.
The Lady Chiefs are parading a youthful squad led by third year middle blocker Dodee Batindaan, who witnessed the team's struggles in Seasons 97 and 98 that came on the heels of three straight titles from 2017 to 2019.
The wards of decorated head coach Obet Javier actually reached the finals round of Season 97 but fell twice to eventual champion De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and bid goodbye to their four-peat dream. They were unable to bounce back in the following year and missed the Final Four altogether.
But the Lady Chiefs will use these heartaches as their fuel for Season 99.
"Sobrang eager po namin na maibalik talaga sa Arellano 'yung title kasi bago mag-pandemic, Arellano 'yung laging champions and gusto namin mapatunayan na kaya pa rin namin," Batindaan told GMA News Online.
(We are very eager for Arellano to reclaim the title because before the pandemic, we were always the champions and we want to prove that we still can.)
Batindaan is tipped to get enough help from other holdovers in incoming sophomore Laika Tudlasan, who showed a lot of promise in the previous season despite only being a rookie. They will be joined by veterans Charmina Diño, who is expected to fill the void left by seniors Trina Abay and Nicole Sasuman.
Kristine Adante and Donnalyn Paralejas are the designated playmakers while bolstering the frontline are Harem Ceballos, Pauline De Guzman, Marianne Padillon, and rookie Heart Villaflores.
Completing Arellano's redemption squad are Alona Caguicla, Kristine Guinaob, Mauie Magaling, Fhaye Mangubat, Robbie Matawaran, Khey Pablo, and Lorraine Pecaña.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
