Jose Rizal University is hoping to turn its fortunes around in the NCAA Season 100 women's volleyball tournament after back-to-back seasons of missing the Final Four.
Back in Season 97, the Lady Bombers finished fourth with a 5-4 win-loss record, but the next two seasons proved to be challenging for the wards of head coach Mia Tioseco.
In Seasons 98 and 99, the Mandaluyong-based squad recorded just one win per season.
However, there are still bright spots for JRU, especially as some of their veteran players return for Season 100 with more experience.
Jerry Lyn Laurente, one of Season 99's top setters, will be returning to the squad, along with Kayla Jasareno, Gayle Batara, Patricia Anne Del Pilar, Cherish Dayame, and Nicole Grace Deala. Yanyan Aloña and Maliey Amante are also coming back for JRU.
Julianna Canoy, Alyanna Detablan, Lei Martinez, Trixie Rostro, and Angelica Mae Yongco, meanwhile, will join JRU's quest for another semis run.
The men's team, meanwhile, hopes for the same as well after winning just one game last season.
One challenge they will face, however, is the absence of one of their best scorers Ken Daynata who graduated last year.
JRU's lineup for this year is composed of eight rookies in Paolo Barrientos, Jonathan Calumpang, Raphael Datig, Prince De Lemios, Matthew Malillin, Xyrone Montemayor, Harry Jim Ocay, and Al-Jecradin Unding.
Bryle Alipan will be the most veteran in the squad, and will be joined by returning players Aristotle Carbon, Klause Dais, Charlie Dela Cruz, Jake Fernandez, Maki Guanzon, Dhen Henry Sual, and Neil Zapico.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
