NU beats Lyceum in straight sets

Games Tomorrow (The Arena, San Juan City) 8 a.m. – San Beda vs Ateneo (men’s) 10 a.m. – FEU vs NU (men’s) 4 p.m. – Arellano vs San Beda (women’s) 6:30 p.m. – JRU vs SSCR (women’s)

Defending champion National University opened its title defense on a bright note as it bested Lyceum of the Philippines, 25-17, 25-16, 25-21, in the women’s division of the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference yesterday at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Bulldogs faced some stiff challenge from the Lady Pirates particularly in the third set when Lyceum cut NU’s commanding 12-4 lead to 22-19.

But Jaja Santiago and the rest of the Sampaloc-based spikers contained Lyceum’s assault to join early winners Ateneo and Far Eastern University at the helm of Group A with one victory.

Santiago joined forces with Risa Sato to finish with identical 11 points, with Sato highlighting her performance with 10 kills.

Jorelle Singh also came off the bench and finished with eight points, all from attacks, while Jasmine Nabor had 27 excellent sets.

Lyceum, coached by veteran Emil Lontoc, fell short of its efforts with Rocelyn Hongria scoring only eight points, and La Rainne Fabay managing only seven points.

In the men’s side, University of Santo Tomas showed its prowess anew as it cruised to a 25-17, 25-13, 25-22 win over De La Salle.

The Tigers clobbered the Archers with an offensive barrage spearheaded by Joshua Umandal to follow up their opening day victory over the University of the Philippines Maroons.

Umandal paced UST with 14 points, all coming from the attack line, and got help from Arnold Bautista and Jayvee Sumagaysay, who chipped in with nine points each.