USJ-R, MLSDF earn share of women’s lead in M. Lhuillier volleyball

The Hotel Fortuna-backed University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) and the MLSDF All-Stars waltzed through their second straight wins in as many starts to earn a share of the women’s division lead in the 1st M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Open Indoor Volleyball Tournament at the Aznar Coliseum yesterday.

While USJ-R belles of coach Grace Antigua had little trouble in disposing off the GDS Security Agency-Southwestern University (SWU) in straight sets, 25-12, 25-18, 25-14, the MLSDF All-Stars had to summon all the strength and experience they could muster to get past the gritty Arthro Kontra Arthritis-University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) in their grueling five-set encounter.

In the lone men’s battle, the Crunchicken-sponsored USPF of coach Cecile Jotojot and Benedict Chua made up from the loss of their female counterparts by demolishing Carcar Selection in straight sets, 25-22, 25-19, 25-13.

Hobbled by the late arrival of 11th Nestea Beach Volley champion, Jusabelle Brillo and Janiz Armie Igot of the University of the Visayas (UV), the MLSDF All-Stars stumbled in the opening set against the more aggressive Arthro-USPF chargers, 22-25.

Flashing the same grits and guts with the Verano sisters Ericka and Yvonne at the frontline, Arthro-USPF of coach Jordan Paca and Jonathan "Atan" Guardo again conquered the MLSDF All-Stars, 17-25, to move a win shy from sealing the match.

Just when everyone thought Arthro-USPF was headed for a clean sweep, the MLSDF All-Stars bounced back with aplomb to stay alive with a 25-21 victory in the third set.

The fourth set incited a thousand thrills with the score tied at 25-all. Michelle Matuguina then scored a crucial point and a costly error by USPF’s Ericka Verano in the ensuing play breath new life to the MLSDF All-Stars, 27-25.

In the rubbermatch, the MLSDF All-Stars never looked back after taking a 9-8 lead on the way to wrapping up the match, 15-11.

Thus, MLSDF All-Stars and Hotel Fortuna/USJ-R joined Horishi on top of the women’s leaderboard with similar 2-0 win-loss records in the tournament organized by M. Lhuillier Sports Development Foundation executive director Eddie B. Ybañez.