MELGAR BOOSTS JRU TO SUPPRESS STRUGGLING EAC TO SHARE EARLY LEAD AT 2-0
Jose Rizal University (JRU) overcame a first-set turbulence to escape Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), 26-24, 25-21, 25-16, Friday in NCAA women’s volleyball at the Paco Arena.
The Lady Bombers made quick work of Lady Generals but had to subdue a slow start en route to its second straight win and share the early lead with the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers and the Arellano Lady Chiefs.
Renesa Melgar led in the commanding win with 11 points off 10 attacks and a block while Niegos and Verzosa chipped in 10 and nine markers, respectively.
With 23-all in the opening frame, Jonazel Egera blocked Lyka Perez to give JRU the first set point but Jamaica Villena responded with a kill on the opposite side to knot things up at 24 for EAC.
Team captain Dolly Verzosa delivered the clutch to give another set point for JRU before middle blocker Niegos delivered the finishing blow with a one-handed set by Jerry Laurente, 26-24.
From then, things looked bleak for the Lady Cardinals as Renesa Melgar sparked a 2-0 run from 23-21 to 25-21 to end, giving JRU a two-set lead.
The EAC never had the chance to recover as Mary May Ruiz gave her side the match point, 24-16, before a running attack by Niegos sealed the win for Lady Bombers.
Cathrine Almazan paced the EAC with 12 markers while Krizzia Reyes added 11 points for EAC in the loss that saw their team succumb to a 0-2 record.
JRU looks to extend its winning streak as it faces Mapua University on Sunday while EAC will be seeking its first win as they face the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Tuesday.