By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Monday
(The Arena, San Juan City)
9:30 a.m. – Mapua vs Lyceum (M)
11 a.m. – Mapua vs Lyceum (W)
12:30 p.m. – San Sebastian vs Perpetual (W)
2 p.m. – San Sebastian vs Perpetual (M)
3:30 p.m. – San Sebastian vs Perpetual (Jrs)
Defending champion Arellano University hardly broke a sweat in turning back Letran, 25-17, 25-17, 25-12, yesterday to seize the solo lead in the 93rd NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Rookie Nicole Ebuen torched her former squad with 11 points, the same output of Regine Arocha, as the Lady Chiefs needed just 56 minutes to get the job done over the struggling Lady Knights.
The dominant victory, its third straight this season and 15th overall since last year, enabled Arellano to regain the pole position over top title threats St. Benilde and San Beda, both toting 2-0 records.
“Seryoso talaga ‘yung mga bata sa pinag-usapan na kailangan namin mai-defend and title. Lumalabas talaga sa game ‘yung mga pinag-ensayuhan namin,” said Lady Chiefs mentor Obet Javier, who also got 21 excellent sets from Sarah Verutiao.
In the other match, Jose Rizal University continued its resurgence at the expense of listless Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-20, 25-16, 25-16.
Comely spiker Shola Alvarez sizzled anew with a game-high 24 points, built around 22 kills and a pair of service aces, leading the Lady Bombers’ onslaught that sent the Lady Generals down on their knees after an hour and six minutes.
“Sana po magtuluy-tuloy na,” said Alvarez as JRU racked up its second straight victory after dropping its opening assignment to San Beda, moving up to the “Magic Four.”
No Lady General scored in double figures, with Ladeisheen Magbanua emerging as the top scorer with nine points, as they dropped down to the cellar with their third consecutive setback.
Glayssa Torres had seven points while Jaymeleene Parin and Charm Simborio teamed up for 10 points for Letran, which suffered its second loss after three tries.
