Spikers’ Turf: Sta. Elena-NU dumps Mapua to kick off Open Conference bid

MANILA, Philippines—Sta. Elena-National University started off on the right track and opened up its campaign with a sweep of Mapua, 25-8, 25-19, 25-21, in Group D of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Thursday at Paco Arena.

Berhashidin Daymil, the Best Middle Blocker of the Reinforced Conference, led the Ball Hammers with 11 points, six coming off kill blocks, while James Natividad and Nico Almendras added nine points each.

“It was a normal game for us, we just had too many errors so we have to work on that,” said Sta. Elena head coach Dong Dela Cruz in Filipino.

Mark Egan led the Cardinals with nine points.

In the middle game of the triple-header, Adamson University took down National College of Business and Arts 25-23, 25-15, 25-23.

George Labang and Royce Bello had seven points apiece to lead the Soaring Falcons as they took their second win in three matches to take the top spot of Group A.

Adamson head coach Pao Pablico, though, did not like how his team fared in the third set especially coming off a strong second frame.

“NCBA fought back in the third set because my players relaxed after taking over in the second set,” said Pablico in Filipino.

Baden Pabalate led the Wildcats with 10 points, eight coming off spikes.

In the final game of the day, Eco Oil-De La Salle gave Centro Escolar University a rude welcome with a 25-18, 25-17, 25-19 beating.

John Mark Ronquillo led the Green Spikers with 11 points to lead his team to its first win in Group B.

“We had first game jitters so the team adjusted especially to the rookies and at the end of the day we got the win so we’re happy and we just have to develop our skills on the areas that we still need to improve on,” said Green Spikers head coach Arnold Laniog in Filipino.

Carlo Villahermosa led the Scorpions with five points while Robin Clemente added four.