Lady Chiefs forge strong start to title defense; undermanned Lady Stags open campaign with win

NCAA Ladies Volleyball Mary Anne Esguerra of Arellano U misses the ball off Mapua’s Nicole Frando , at the Filoil arena . INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Arellano University launched a strong start to its title defense in the NCAA Season 93 women’s volleyball tournament after dismantling Mapua in straight sets, 25-10, 25-17, 25-13, Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

Regine Arocha led Arellano with 12 points while Andrea Marzan added nine as the Lady Chiefs overwhelmed the Lady Cardinals all game.

Arellano head coach Obet Javier said he wanted his team to make a strong statement at the onset.

“Every time I meet with the players I always tell them that in Season 92, we were the champions, and that’s okay, but this year we have to defend this,” said Javier. “If we worked hard [last season], this Season 93, we have to push through even harder.”

San Sebastian also got off to an impressive start despite a depleted lineup and hacked out a 25-16, 25-19, 25-16 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College.

The Lady Stags, who began life without three-time MVP Grethcel Soltones, played just seven of their eight players but showed a lot of resiliency.

Dangie Encarnacion scored on back-to-back check balls that sent San Sebastian to match point at 24-16 before Daurene Santos finished it all off with an ace.

San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb said Soltones’ graduation should push the remaining members of the team to come out of their shells.

“I always tell them that with Grethcel gone they should be able to stand on their own feet,” said Gorayeb in Filipino.

“When Grethcel was still here, the offense went through her for like 70 percent of the time so the players would tend to sit back instead of stepping up. Now that Grethcel’s gone, maybe they will start performing better.”