By CYRUS M. GARDE
BACOLOD City — St. John’s Institute (SJI) High School Varsity will clash with Batch 2010-14 for the title in the 3rd SJI Volleyball Friendship Cup at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Msgr. John Liu Activity Center.
Varsity demolished Batch 2009 & Earlier, 25-13, 25-14 & 25-23 to advance to the finals with unbeaten records. Batch 2010-14, on the other hand, won in four sets against the Aspirants Team, 25-19, 25-17, 17-25, and 25-16.
Batch 2009 & Earlier and the Aspirants will also play for runner-up honors at 2 p.m.
The Alumni took advantage of a sluggish Varsity start with an 8-1 lead in the opening set behind the net attacks of Liza Calangan and the service aces of Chin Chin Lio.
But the Varsity repulsed back behind the Alumni with aggressive net attacks by Therese Maravilla and Hannah Infante. Maravilla also scored on three straight service aces to give the lead to the Varsity, 14-10.
Varsity racked up eight points for 11-1 scoring behind the services of Martha Araneta and backline reception of J-Anne Hachero, paving the way for Lyka Yusay and a good set up opportunity for hitters Ruth De Lumen and Jewel Maligmat.
Varsity’s Martha Araneta tip-in and Maravilla’s service aces produced the biggest lead in the second set at 22-12.
Alumni got a second win in the third set, and better setup by Michelle Ditching and Stephanie Ong for Lizette Tamayo, Katrina Lacson and Liza Calangan produced a 19-15 lead, but Maravilla and Infante combined to score 7 straight points to give the lead back to Varsity.
In the ensuing play, spiking and reception error by the Alumni gave the Varsity the finals seat./PN
