NCR wins Shakey’s T-of-C opener

MANILA, Philippines – National Capital Region kicked off its title defense on a winning note, beating Northern Luzon, 22-25, 25-16, 25-11, in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League Season 11 Tournament of Champions Monday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Represented by Hope Christian High School, the Metro Manila titlists struggled in the early stages against the bets from Baguio City National High School but regained their form in the second and third sets to escape with the victory in Pool A.

“We haven’t had much practice with our guest players Marian Buitre and Eden Maturan and it showed in our slow start,” said NCR coach Jerry Yee.

In Pool B matches, Central Visayas-University of San Jose-Recoletos also won its debut against Ateneo de Davao, 25-19, 25-18, while New Zealand used its height and experience to the hilt for a 25-17, 25-12 rout of Southern Luzon leg winner De La Salle-Lipa.

CV stormed to a 12-2 lead in the opening frame but fell into a spate of errors, allowing Mindanao to catch up at 15-15 and wrest the lead at 18-17.

But a timely timeout arrested CV’s mild skid as the Cebu bets came out of the huddle firing, winning eight of the next nine points to take the first set. They sustained their form in the second to secure the triumph.

The tournament opened with Shakey’s marketing manager Barbie Ocampo and Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia in attendance. It is backed by Mikasa, Asics, Tune Hotel, Burlington, BioFresh, Food Health and Science Magazine and organized by Metro Sports.