Shakey’s V-League: Arellano, NU repulse foes

MANILA, Philippines — Arellano pulled off the biggest upset of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference so far by stunning reigning UAAP champion Ateneo, 21-25, 25-16, 17-25, 25-20, 15-13, Sunday night before a huge Sunday crowd at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Danna Henson fired 14 points including 13 hits as the Lady Chiefs scored their second straight win to grab the solo lead in Group A.

The Lady Eagles fell to 1-1, losing for the first time since their amazing run on their way to the UAAP crown two weeks ago.

Cristine Joy Rosario also played big for the Lady Chiefs with 14 points highlighted by six blocks, while Elaine Sagun and Ronnery Dela Cruz also dished out solid performances to help offset the 20-point output of Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez.

Arellano’s victory overshadowed the five-set win of defending champion National University over debuting University of Santo Tomas, 25-19, 25-22, 18-25, 24-26, 15-10.

NU also picked up a second straight win as Dindin Santiago tormented her former school with a couple of hits late in the fifth frame, before getting help from Ivy Perez and Carmina Aganon in finishing off a gritty UST squad in two hours and three minutes.

Having fought back from a couple of sets down to forge a decider, the Tigresses rallied from 1-5 down to threaten at 10-11 in the final set before Santiago took charge with an off-the-block smash and another kill.

The victory shoved the Lady Bulldogs, who opened their bid with a straight set win over Perpetual Help, to the solo lead in Group B.

“We didn’t panic, we kept our cool and that really helped us,” said new NU coach Ariel dela Cruz, who took over from Edjet Mabbayad, the mentor who led the Lady Bulldogs to the crown last season.

Aganon fired 17 hits while Jaja Santiago came through with 14, including five off blocks.

NU’s balanced attack also saw Dindin Santiago, Aika Urdas and Myla Pablo contribute 11 points apiece.

The Tigresses, the league’s winningest team, showed plenty of fight even with a rookie-laden roster.

Guest player EJ Laure, a daughter of PBA veteran Eddie Laure, sparkled in her debut with 23 hits for the Tigresses.

UST actually boasts two players whose uncles are former PBA stars in Pam Lastimosa and Marivic Meneses.  They combined for 30 points.

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