Games Today
(Filoil Flying V Centre)
8 a.m. – CSB vs Letran (Jrs)
9:30 a.m. – CSB vs Letran (m)
11 a.m. – CSB vs Letran (w)
12:30 p.m. – JRU vs San Beda (w)
2 p.m. – JRU vs San Beda (m)
Defending champion Arellano swept Mapua, 25-10, 25-17, 25-13, yesterday at the start of the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Banking on an intact lineup, the Lady Chiefs encountered brief resistance from the Lady Cardinals in the second set before regaining their dominance to jump early into the winning column.
Regine Arocha finished with 12 points built on nine kills and three service aces as she anchored Arellano especially in the third frame, where the Lady Chiefs soared to a commanding 17-6 lead and never looked back.
Sarah Verutiao also contributed 28 excellent sets, filling in the void left by veteran Rhea Ramirez who is resting her minor shoulder injury.
Despite playing under new mentor Paul Doloiras, Mapua struggled in all departments as it managed 15 measly attacks, two blocks and only four aces.
In the other game, San Sebastian showed up with only eight players but still defeated Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-16, 25-19, 25-16.
Nikka Dalisay, Daurene Santos, Dangie Encarnacion and Joyce Sta. Rita scored 13 points each and the Lady Stags unleashed all their might to open their campaign on a bright note despite dealing with not only shortage of players but also heartbreaks in the last two seasons.
The Lady Stags no longer have three-time Most Valuable Player Gretchel Soltones to graduation while trying to redeem themselves from back-to-back finals losses despite sweeping the elimination round both times.
“Madami pang laro,” said San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb. “Sa ngayon, pagtitiyagaan na lang namin kung anong meron kami.”
