A former top rookie, Shaila Omipon is set to take center stage when University of Perpetual Help System DALTA parades a new-look roster in the NCAA Season 100 women's volleyball tournament that opens on February 20.
Omipon, the Season 98 Rookie of the Year, will lead the squad for veteran head coach Sandy Rieta as the Lady ALTAs hope to improve from their sixth place outing in Season 99.
But they will now have to do it with a younger squad after the departure of veteran outside spiker Mary Rhose Dapol, middle blocker Razel Aldea, and setter Jhasmine Sapin.
The 21-year-old Omipon will be backstopped by other holdovers Marian Andal, Winnie Bedaña, Fianne Ariola, and Camille Bustamante in their bid to bring Perpetual back to the Final Four for the first time since Season 94.
Completing the wards of Rieta are Jillaiza Donig, Nicolette Gaa, Jazhryll Lagmay, Joanna Lozano, Monica Mariano, Jemalyn Menor, Geraldine Palacio, Pauline Uy, and Daizerlyn Uy.
Bigger stakes are in store for Perpetual's men's team as the ALTAs look to complete a five-peat run with the late head coach Sammy Acaylar no longer around after the veteran tactician passed away late last month.
The ALTAs will also be without the reigning back-to-back MVP Louie Ramirez and other key pieces in JC Enarciso, and Michael Medalla, who all wrapped up their careers last season.
And leading the charge this time around are Jeff Marapoc, KC Andrade, Klint Mateo, Kirth Rosos, and Kobe Tabuga. They will be joined by Joseph Abrencillo, John Castil, Renz Engay, Annrhey Galila, Kylle Gelogo, John Lituania, Hezron Manaloto, James Pascua, and Stefano Rosete.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
