ARELLANO SWEEPS MAPUA TO START FOUR-PEAT BID IN NCAA SEASON 97
Defending champion Arellano University made quick work of Mapua University, 25-14, 25-12, 25-21, to open the NCAA Season 97 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday.
Nicole Sasuman spearheaded the dominating win with team-high 13 points while Princess Bello made seven markers alongside nine digs and four excellent receptions.
The Lady Chiefs started off strong, establishing a double-digit lead before a drop ball of Sasuman gave them a 20-9 cushion.
Trina Abay then drilled back-to-back points to give Arellano the set point before Charmina Diño finished the set with an ace, 25-14.
Come the second frame, it was the same story for the Lady Chiefs as the Lady Cardinals struggled to turn the tide with the former taking a huge 18-9 advantage.
Chenie Batac made a crucial error off a service error that gave Arellano the second set point, 24-12, before Pauline De Guzman ended the set off a Lady Cardinals’ poor reception.
Mapua had some fightback in the third canto that saw several mini runs in a tight 17-15 affair but Arellano found a breakthrough, pulling away with three straight points to go 20-15.
Janice Mauntag sealed the win as Arellano completed the sweep, 25-21.
Middle blocker Alyanna Ong led the Mapua with seven markers.
Arellano heads against San Beda University on Tuesday while Mapua looks to redeem themselves against San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Wednesday.