NCAA volleyball: Lady Chiefs rap LPU to start title bid

By Waylon Galvez

Games Monday (The Arena, San Juan)

8:30 a.m. – Arellano vs EAC (Junior’s)

10 a.m. – Arellano vs EAC (Men’s)

12 noon – Arellano vs EAC (Women’s)

2 p.m. – St. Benilde vs Mapua (Women’s)

3:30 p.m. – St. Benilde vs Mapua (Men’s)

5 p.m. – St. Benilde vs Mapua (Junior’s)

Defending champion Arellano University needed to dig deep to overcome Lyceum of the Philippines University 27-25, 25-20, 25-20 at the start of NCAA Season 95 volleyball Friday at The Arena in San Juan.

Regine Anne Rocha, one of the team’s graduating players, led the Lady Chiefs with 18 kills, while Carla Armaina Juanich added 12 points on five kills and seven blocks and Alyana San Gregorio six points.

Rocha delivered the final two points for Arellano in the first set, which went back-and-forth with Lyceum taking a 21-19 advantage.

Arellano coach Obet Javier, who is aiming for a fourth straight title, said the team is still in the adjustment stage.

“Nangigil kami, buti na lang nag-deliver pa din yung mga bata,” said Javier. “Kami naman, gawin lang ang dapat (to win). Now we’re still evaluating the performance of the team.”

Alexandra Rafael led the Lady Pirates with 12 points on 11 kills.

In the men’s division earlier, the Arellano Chiefs started their own campaign with a masterful straight sets victory over the Lyceum Pirates 25-22, 25-14, 25-22.

Jesrael Liberato led Arellano with 15 points 10 kills and three blocks with two service aces, while Joshua Esguerra made 13 digs, and Edmark Meneses contributed 11 excellent sets.

In the junior’s division, the Junior Chiefs opened their own bid with a thrilling five setter against the Baby Pirates 25-19, 23-25, 26-24, 20-25, 15-12.

Angelo Lagando led Arellano with 23 points on 21 kills and two service aces with 11 digs, while Ervin Patrick Osabel added 17 points.

Source: Manila Bulletin