By Abby Toralba
BANKING on its defense, Far Eastern University foiled Perpetual Help yesterday 28-26, 17-25, 25-17, 25-13 for its second straight victory in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila
The Lady Tamaraws had 19 blocks, with Chenie Tagaod, Mitzi Panangin and Jazlyn Ellarina combining for 10.
Tagaod also had 12 kills for a 16-point output while Panangin produced eight kills for a 12-point showing.
Ellarina, a former National U mainstay, finished with nine points, including two blocks.
In the other women’s match, University of the East prevailed over the Mapua University Lady Cardinals in four sets 25-17, 25-18, 21-25, 25-16 and also improved to 2-0.
Jelai Gajero had 23 points to lead the Lady Warriors to victory while Riza Nogales and Keshia Famulagan chipped in 14 and 11 markers, respectively.
Mapua dropped to 1-2 despite the 19-point output of Raisa Ricablanca.
“Na-test ‘yung team chemistry namin kasi nag-ikot kami ng mga tao. Ang maganda, may nabuo kami sa game at naging ready ‘yung mga players, kaya naging maganda laro namin,” said interim coach Manolo Refugia, whose wards had 39 errors.
The victory was a big follow-up to the Lady Tams’ straight-set romp over the Mapua Lady Cards last week.
Mary Rose Dapol scored 12 points while Tracy Andal put up an 18-excellent dig performance for the Lady Altas, who slipped to 1-1 after trouncing the San Sebastian Lady Stags last Friday.
In men’s play, Ateneo de Manila U moved into a share of the lead with Perpetual Help, fending off San Beda U’s gritty stand in the third to carve out a 25-18, 25-17, 25-21 victory.
Outside hitter Amil Pacinio scored the bulk of his 15-point output in the tight last set before Jet Gopio took over in the clutch to complete the straight-sets romp.
“We have to work on our reception, medyo nag-aalangan pa kami doon. Kasi ‘yun ang una mong gagawin coming off a point so kailangang mabilis lang bumalik sa focus,” said Ateneo coach Timothy Sto. Tomas.
“I’m blessed with talented setters and hitters, so we need to capitalize on that, kaya kailangan namin nang maayos na receive,” he added.
Jian Salarzon blasted in 10 attack points and finished with 11 markers while Kennedy Batas had in a 10-hit game, including a crucial block in the third as Ateneo matched Perpetual Help’s 2-0 slate.
