Western and Central Visayas tossers strike again

MANILA, Philippines – Spikers from the South took center stage as Western Visayas and Central Visayas stormed to their second successive victories Tuesday to close in on semifinal slots in the Shakey’s Girls’ Volleyball League Season 11 Tournament of Champions at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Western Visayas, represented by Central Philippine University, dispatched Central Luzon’s Angeles University Foundation, 25-14, 25-19, to rise to 2-0 in Pool A while Central Visayas representative University of San Jose-Recoletos demolished Eastern Visayas’ Leyte National High School, 25-9, 25-14, for the lead in Pool B of the five-day event sponsored by Shakey’s and organized by Metro Sports.

Roma Joy Doromal posted 10 kills and one block as CPU bucked the absence of injured hitter Princess Anne Robles (sprain) to follow up its 26-28, 25-17, 25-12 drubbing of guest team Victoria, Australia, last Monday.

Victoria bounced back from its three-set setback to Western Visayas Monday night by repulsing Northern Luzon’s Baguio City National High School, 25-14, 20-25, 25-19.

With a 1-1 card, however, the Aussies will need to sweep their last two games and hope either Western Visayas or NCR drop one of their last two matches to advance.

Victoria resumes its bid today against NCR then closes out its eliminations assignment against Angeles U Foundation Thursday.

New Zealand, on the other hand, is well on its way to the semifinals after a 25-17, 25-12 win over Southern Luzon’s De La Salle-Lipa.

The Kiwis are playing the Mindanao champs Ateneo de Davao at presstime and will take on the fancied University of San Jose-Recoletos spikers from Central Visayas Thursday.