GAMES TODAY
(The Arena, San Juan)
11 a.m. – JRU vs. San Sebastian
2:30 p.m. – San Beda vs. Arellano
WITH ace spiker Gia Maquilang leading the way, Letran humbled Emilio Aguinaldo College yesterday, scoring a 25-21, 25-20, 25-18 victory to seize the solo lead in the 100th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Despite coming off the bench, Maquilang, last season’s Rookie of the Year, had 14 points on attacks and 10 digs as the Lady Knights improved to 10-2, taking a half-game lead over College of St. Benilde.
Rookie Vanessa Sarie and Nicen Colendra combined for 17 markers while libero and team captain Lara Silva saved 27 digs and caught 13 excellent receptions in the hour and 38-minute action.
With the win, Letran stretched its winning streak to four while EAC absorbed its second straight loss and fell to 3-9.
In the other game, Lyceum of the Philippines University remained unscathed in the second round, getting back at first-round tormentor Mapua University 25-16, 25-15, 27-29, 23-25, 15-10.
“As I was telling my players, it’s about consistency. The ranking will not matter right now. So, ang importante, going towards the end, we have consistency. Iyon ang pinaka-importante… Sana magkaroon ng magandang fruit iyong plano [namin],” said Letran mentor Oliver Almadro.
Outside hitter Elizza Alimen was the lone bright spot for the Lady Generals with 11 markers and 14 digs.
Open spikers Johna Dolorito and Joan Doguna shone bright for the Lady Pirates’ third consecutive victory in the second round, with the former firing 24 points and 14 excellent receptions and the latter sizzling with 23 markers built on 19 attacks and four service aces, and 17 digs.
Also contributing to Lyceum’s cause, which improved to 6-6, were Ashley Muchillas with 15 points while setter team and captain Venice Puzon tossed 30 excellent sets and tallied three points.
The Lady Cardinals suffered their third straight loss since the second round and slipped to 7-5.
Nadine Berces had 15 points, 11 digs and nine excellent receptions for Mapua while Freighann Garcia and Nicole Ong had 16 and 15 points, respectively.
