THE protagonists of last year’s finals continued to dominate the NCAA Season 94 women’s volleyball tournament after sweeping separate foes on Monday at the Arena in San Juan City.
Three-peat-seeking Arellano University made a short work of Mapua University in three sets, 25-15, 25-12, 25-13, to nail its third straight victory in just 62 minutes.
Last year's top rookie Necole Ebuen led the collective effort with 15 points. Carla Donato chipped in 11 hits, while Regine Arocha added eight markers as setter Rhea Ramirez scattered the offensive loads with 23 excellent sets.
Nobody scored in double figures for Mapua with Lorraine Barias having seven points as it dropped to a 0-3 win-loss record and has yet to win since 2016.
Last year’s runner-up San Beda University, meanwhile, dominated Lyceum of the Philippines University also in straight sets, 25-21, 25-22, 25-16, to force a share of lead on top with Arellano.
Nieza Viray, the leading scorer of the Red Spikers, poured 19 points off 16 attacks and three service aces and also had eight digs, while skipper Cesca Racraquin delivered 13 points built on 10 spikes and three aces for San Beda’s third straight win.
Mikaela Wanta had seven points for the Lady Pirates as they dropped to 1-2 card.
In men’s action, Lyceum (1-2) earned its first win as Sinmart Saporna and Kier Tibayan unloaded 12 points each to take down San Beda (1-2), 25-22, 25-23, 25-21.
Arellano (2-1) notched its second win in three games as Christian Dela Paz unleashed 25 points to torch Mapua (1-2), 25-15, 23-25, 25-18, 25-15.
San Beda and Arellano will return to action on Thursday against EAC and San Sebastian, respectively.
Lyceum and Mapua try to bounce back against Perpetual Help and JRU, respectively.
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