San Sebastian tries to make it three in a row in the women’s division while Letran shoots for a repeat in the men’s side as the 85th NCAA beach volley tournament fires off this Friday at the Cantada Sports Center in Taguig City.

Margarita Pepito will have a new partner in Russel Jalbuna as SSC opens its three-peat bid against Mapua at 6:15 p.m.

San Sebastian snared its second straight title by thumping College of St. Benilde last year – thanks to the superb efforts of Most Valuable Player Lou Ann Latigay and Pepito, who bested the power-hitting pair of Giza Yumang and LC Quemada.

Yumang and Quemada will suit up anew for CSB as they try to avenge their bitter loss.

Letran, however, remains as the team to beat with the presence of Kriszelle Morajelo and Gena Andaya.

Perpetual Help will be pinning its hopes on the scrappy duo of Keshia de Luna and April Ann Sartin.

In the men’s side, Letran will be bannered by last year’s indoor volleyball MVP Warren Pirante, who will have Erickson Ramos as partner.