Save from some shaky starts and that tight second set, reigning NCAA women’s volleyball champions Arellano University experienced little resistance en route to its first win.
The Lady Chiefs dominated the Mapua University Lady Cardinals in straight sets 25-10, 25-17, 25-13, to open their back-to-back title bid on a rousing note, Thursday afternoon.
Last season’s breakout star Regine Arocha led the Chiefs with 12 points off nine attacks and three aces, while middle hitter Andrea Marzan had nine markers.
The reigning champions peppered Mapua with 46 spikes and eight aces, but head coach Obet Javier had to note on some areas of concern.
“Kailangan namin ayusin yung receive at yung blocks,” he shared.
Despite some faulty reception, however, Sarah Verutiao played well to set the offense with 28 excellent tosses in this short contest.
Dianne Latayan paced Mapua with six points.
The Chiefs (1-0) will face the revitalized Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sunday, January 7. On their part, the Cardinals (0-1) will tackle Colegio de San Juan de Letran the following day.
The Scores:
AU (3) – Arocha 12, Marzan 9, Esguerra 8, Prado 7, Verutiao 6, Ebuen 6, Bello 5, Donato 3, Liu 1, Torres 0, Flores L, Buemia L.
MU (0) – Latayan 6, Pena 5, Racelis 4, Morano 3, Mangundayao 1, Frando 1, Ramilo (L), Hermano 0, Mercado 0, Barias 0.
