MANILA – Arellano University Lady Chiefs entered the NCAA Season 100 women’s volleyball win column with a 27-25, 25-22, 25-21 sweep over Lyceum of the Philippines Lady Pirates over the weekend at the San Sebastian College Gym in Manila.
Heart Villaflores registered a team-high 18 points, anchored on 17 attacks and one block off the bench, while Fhaye Mangubat chipped in 10 points for the Lady Chiefs, which improved to a 1-1 win-loss slate.
Both teams engaged in a tight battle late in the third set with the score tied at 20-all before the Lady Chiefs went on a 4-0 scoring run to reach match point at 24-20.
The Lady Pirates managed to save a match point to cut the deficit to 21-24, but the Lady Chiefs wrapped up their first win of the season with an off-the-block hit from Pau de Guzman.
Jaja Tulang tallied 14 points, seven excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions while Johna Dolorito and Vanessa Martin added nine markers apiece as the Lady Pirates dropped to a 1-1 mark.
Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas opened their women’s division campaign with a 25-18, 28-26, 25-16 sweep over San Beda University Lady Red Spikers.
Shaila Omipon stepped up offensively with 16 points to go with five excellent digs and four excellent receptions to be named Player of the Game for the Lady Altas.
Lady Altas head coach Sandy Rieta said after the game that the victory was a confidence boost for the squad as they are still adjusting to the departure of Mary Rhose Dapol, Razel Aldea, and Jhasmine Sapin due to graduation.
“Winning the first game of the season is a huge confidence boost for us; hopefully we can use this to garner more victories as the tournament goes on,” Rieta said.
Angel Habacon finished with 10 points to lead the Lady Red Spikers (0-1), while Rianne Bedural and Chynna Castillo contributed eight and seven markers, respectively./PN
