Tigresses, Lady Eagles take opener in V-League

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo came away with a pair of straight-set victories over their respective rivals to jumpstart their title drives in the Shakey’s V-League seventh season at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

MVP Aiza Maizo rammed in 17 hits while Maika Ortiz added 10 points as the Tigresses, who swept the league’s twin titles last year, dominated the undermanned Far Eastern U side to wrap up the 58-minute romp.

“I’m very satisfied with our win. They played very well,” said UST coach Shaq delos Santos, who also drew nine points from Denise Santiago and seven hits from Angeli Tabaquero. “But our main goal is to make it to the finals, especially now that the stakes are higher with the presence of the Thai imports.”

The Tigresses, also the reigning UAAP champions, dished out a near-flawless game and outclassed the Lady Tams, who played with just one guest player in Ronerry dela Cruz of University of Perpetual Help Dalta System after failing to enlist sisters Michelle and Mayette Carolino.

Earlier, San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito graced the opening rites of the new season’s first conference with league commissioner Tony Lian, Sports Vision’s Ricky Palou and Shakey’s Pizza officials, headed by EVP and general manager Vic Gregorio, brand and events manager Coochy Mamaclay and marketing manager Barbie Ocampo making the ceremonial serve.

Ateneo struggled with its reception and floor defense but found a way to turn back a stubborn St. Benilde side for a 25-21, 26-24, 25-19 victory in the tournament sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and presented by PLDT MyDSL.

Thai import Sontaya Keawbundit finished with 13 hits, including 12 spikes, and Fille Cainglet added 12 hits while playing for just two sets for the Lady Eagles, out to improve their dismal fifth place finish in the last conference ruled by University of Santo Tomas.

“Actually, we have no problem with our offense but we have to polish our reception and floor defense,” said Ateneo coach Clint Malazo in Filipino, whose wards are coming off a third place finish in the last UAAP women’s volley.