By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

THE Lady Dolphins of Marianas High School go for a three-peat as they collide with the Lady Ayuyus of Kagman High School in the winner-take-all finals of the girls’ division of the MISA High School Basketball League today at the MHS Gym.
Game time is at 6:30 p.m. Southern High School and Mt. Carmel meet in the consolation match at 4:30 p.m.
The Lady Dolphins earned a chance to defend their title and gun for their third straight championship when they pulled off a 59-47 upset against the second-ranked Mt. Carmel School last Wednesday.
MHS lost to the Lady Knights twice in the regular season and entered the playoffs with only one win in six games, but delivered when it was needed most.
Lalaine Pagarao and Riza Tacliad played solid games in the Lady Dolphins big win over the Knights scoring 22 and 10 points, respectively.
Lady Dolphins coach John Raulerson will need Pagarao and Tacliad’s offensive prowess anew to notch another upset against the pennant champion Lady Ayuyus.
The Lady Ayuyus swept the regular season and advanced to the finals after whipping the Lady Rays, 60-32, in the semifinals. They are heavily favored against the Lady Dolphins, who will be playing without back-to-back MVP awardee Werlly Quitugua. The MHS main gunner graduated last year and is to be seen on the Lady Dolphins’ bench cheering her team.
Quitugua would be a good match for former CNMI Women’s Team member Chelsea Ruluked, who will be leading the Lady Ayuyus’ bid to reclaim the crown they had three years ago.
Kagman last held the championship in 2004, but faltered in its bid for back-to-back titles when it lost to MHS in 2005. The Lady Dolphins defeated the Lady Rays in the 2006 finals.
Ruluked will be assisted by Tricia Falig and Glarisha Mabel, who combined for 17 points in the Lady Ayuyus’ 28-point win over the Lady Rays