THE Arellano University Lady Chiefs are showing why they are the reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association champions by vaulting to an early lead in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference.
The Lady Chiefs relied on star player Jovielyn Prado to post back-to-back straight set victories over the College of St.Benilde Lady Blazers and the San Beda Red Spikers.
The National University Lady Bulldogs started their campaign on a winning note with a similar straight set victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University. Skipper Jaja Santiaga, Risa Sato and Jorelle Singh led the team’s scoring parade.
NU coach Babes Castillo said he appreciated the way his players worked together but added he expected more. For the moment he’s just glad that the team finally has a working system.
The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws swept a young San Sebastian College squad. Power spikers Bernadeth Pons, Toni Rose Basas, Celine Domingo and Jeanette Villarel led FEU’s balanced attack.
It was George Pascua’s first outing as FEU women’s team head coach. Pascua said his team needed a good start and got it which enabled his players to showcase their maximum potential.
Pascua has high hopes for the title-hungry Lady Tamaraws. FEU last won a championship three years ago in the V-League and nine years ago in the UAAP.
The Adamson University Lady Soaring Falcons had to dig deep into their reserve of will and resolve to outlast the University of the Philippines Lady Fighting Maroons in five sets.
Elle Soyud, a former La Salle Lady Spiker, led the way for Adamson. Providing plenty of support are skipper Jema Galanza and Joy Dacoron.
Adamson coach Air Padda said she considered UP their toughest competition in their group and that she appreciated her team’s strong start in the tournament.
Arellano may have won over San Beda but it was far from a walk in the park. Either team could have won the first two sets—won by Arellano—before the Lady Chiefs made a romp in the third.
The key to the Arellano victory was the limited production of San Beda star player Cesca Racraquin. The former spiker who was limited to just nine points which was a far cry from her 19-point explosion during their team’s victory over Technological Institute of the Philippines in their first match.
The PVL women’s matches can be viewed live via streaming on www.sports.abs-cbn/livestream/pvl.