LAS PIÑAS CITY: The University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas will jumpstart their campaign in Season 99 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) against the Lyceum Junior Pirates on Saturday, February 10, at the Fi Oil EcoOil Center in San Juan City.

Right off the bat, Junior Altas head coach Joph Cleopas wants his team to score a morale-boosting opening day win.

Cleopas said he considered his team to be the underdogs in the tournament but promised to give their best in every game.

"I don't consider the team as strong but I guess, it's better to play when you are the underdog, the one who is always thirsty for victory," Cleopas said.

"We will play as a team, each player has a role and value, we have different components, we have a role player, players who can shoot and players who can play defense."

The team finished the season with a 4-5 win-loss record but the Junior Altas will aim for a better record this year.

The Las Pinas-based team is composed of Amiel Acido, Lebron Jhames Daep, JD Pagulayan, Icee Callangan, Dave Panelo, Kelsey Baldoria, RJ Bernaldez, Zeck Valencia and rookies Zyldrjone Asuncion, Mark Derick Gojo Cruz, Lance Nitura, Jericho Cristino, Jan Roluna, Jamal Diaz, Jacob Dela Cruz, Aethon Salvo, Aries Borja and Regie Ayon.

Junior Altas will carry the sponsors F2 Logistics, Yurich Builders and Siemens in partnership with the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.