St. Benilde, Arellano turn back foes in NCAA women’s volleyball

MANILA, Philippines — St. Benilde turned back Mapua, 25-23, 25-16, 25-11, to gain a share of the lead in the NCAA season 89 women’s volleyball tournament Friday at the Arena in San Juan.

Jeanette Panaga scored 14 for the Lady Blazers, who shrugged off a poor start and dominated the Lady Cardinals in the ensuing sets to improve to 2-0.

Maureen Loren added 11 points and last year’s Best Setter Djanel Cheng tossed in 27 excellent sets for the Lady Blazers.

St. Benilde joined defending champion University of Perpetual Help on top of the standings.

Precious Hazel Sedenio and Anna Paula Perez had five points apiece for Mapua, which sunk to 0-2 along with Jose Rizal University.

Arellano, meanwhile, rebounded from its season-opening loss to San Beda with a 25-16, 25-21, 25-23 decision over Emilio Aguinaldo College.

The Lady Chiefs trailed most of the third set but picked up the pace late, sealing the win with a kill from Danna Henson and an attacking error from the Lady Generals.

Elaine Sagun fired 10 points, while Shirley Salamagos had nine points including two blocks for Arellano, which tied EAC at 1-1.

Arian Angustia had six blocks to finish with 12 points while Donna Mae Factor had nine markers for the Lady Generals.