Defending champion Arellano University showed no signs of rust, edging Mapua University, 25-14, 25-12, 25-21, in the opening day of NCAA Season 97 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday.
Nicole Sasuman led the team in scoring, pouring in a team-high 13 points while Princess Bello had an all-around output of seven markers, nine digs, and four excellent receptions.
The Lady Chiefs took advantage of Mapua’s early pile of errors to establish a double-digit lead before Nicole Sasuman’s drop ball gave them a 20-9 cushion.
Back-to-back points by Trina Abay gave Arellano the set point as Charmina Diño completed the frame with an ace, 25-14.
Mapua had some fightback in the second, but the Lady Cardinals struggled to turn the momentum to their side as Arellano took a huge 18-9 advantage.
A service error from Mapua’s Chenie Batac handed Arellano the second set point, 24-12, before Pauline De Guzman converted Lady Cardinals’ poor reception to a point.
The wards of Clarence Esteban had several mini runs in the third which saw them in a tight 17-15 affair before Arellano unleashed three straight points, 20-15.
Janice Mauntag closed out the game as Arellano completed a sweep, 25-21.
Mapua leaned on to middle blocker Alyanna Ong who finished with seven points.
Arellano next faces San Beda University on Tuesday while Mapua looks to recover on Wednesday against San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
—JMB, GMA News
