Arellano gains quarterfinals; NU takes 3

MANILA, Philippines — Christine Joy Rosario sparkled on both ends of the floor as Arellano U repulsed St. Louis U of Baguio, 25-13, 25-9, 25-13 Tuesday to formalize its quarterfinal entry in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Taking charge early, Rosario delivered an all-around game of 15 hits, including 11 kills and four from blocks, to power the Lady Chiefs to their fourth straight victory in the season-opening event.

Later, National U streaked to a third straight triumph in Group B at the expense of a shorthanded San Sebastian squad, 25-16, 25-19, 25-16. The vaunted combination of sisters Dindin and Jaja Santiago did the damage for the Lady Bulldogs, who also got a solid contribution from Aiko Urdas.

The Santiago sisters combined for 23 hits with the older Dindin tallying eight kills, three aces and two blocks.

Still struggling to cope with the absence of lead hitter Gretchel Soltones, the Lady Stags fell to their second loss in three outings.

St. Louis remained winless in three starts in its debut tournament in the V-League.

Leaving the Lady Navigators with little room to operate, the Lady Chiefs produced 27 excellent digs.

“Our reception and blocking did it for us,” said Arellano U coach Obet Javier, whose team pulled off the win just 62 minutes.

“It doesn’t matter how long or how quick we won, the most important thing is we keep on winning.”