PERPETUAL Help and Letran proved too strong for their opponents yesterday and moved on top of the heap in the 100th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the San Beda University gym.
Veterans Shaila Omipon and Winnie Bedana provided a one-two punch as the Lady Altas Perpetual beat the Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers 25-17, 22-25, 25-14, 25-22.
The Lady Knights, led by rookie Vanessa Sarie, needed an hour and 32 minutes to outduel Intramuros neighbors Mapua University Lady Cardinals 25-21, 32-24, 25-11, 25-21.
Sarie shone anew for the Lady Knights with game-high 22 points, Judiel Nitura sizzled with 18 markers, while last season’s Rookie of the Year Gia Maquilang delivered offensive and defensive goods of 11 markers, 10 digs and nine excellent receptions.
Although they committed 40 unforced errors, the Lady Knights made up for this by outscoring Mapua in offense 59 to 38,
Freighanne Garcia paced the hapless Lady Cardinals with 14 points, while Raissa Ricablanca and Alyanna Ong chipped in 13 and 10 markers, respectively.
Omipon, a former First Best Outside Hitter, and Bedana led the offensive load for the Lady Altas with 21 and 20 points, respectively, while Jemalyn Menor added 11 markers.
Outside spiker Nicole Deala led the Lady Bombers, who slipped to 0-2, with 11 points, seven digs and six excellent receptions, while middle blockers Kring Batara and Patricia Del Pillar had 10 markers each in the losing effort.
