Imus, UPIS pull thru in girls volley

MANILA, Philippines - Imus Institute needed an extra set but still prevailed over a tough Unida Christian College side, 25-22, 23-25, 25-16, to share opening day honors with University of the Phil. Integrated School in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League Season 7 at The Arena in San Juan last Friday.

Jo Ann Aganinta, Faith Chu and Charmille Bellesa combined for 32 points as the Cavite-based squad bucked the UCC challenge in the third set to fashion out the victory in Group B of the three-division tournament sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.

After holding off UCC in the first set, the Imus spikers rallied to force a tie thrice in the second frame, the last at 23, only to lose steam, enabling UCC to force the deciding set.

“We almost got them in the second set as Aganinta scored on her attacks but the girls lost steam in the end,” said Imus coach Luis Llanera.

Earlier, UPIS, with Tristine Badong and Limay Gabo combining for 23 points, stamped its class over Diliman Preparatory School and ran away with a 25-13, 25-12 romp, also in Group B of the tournament backed by Toby’s Sports, Dunkin’ Donuts, Mikasa and Asics.

Meanwhile, action resumes on Thursday with Imus and UPIS colliding in an early clash of the leaders at 9 a.m. at the Arellano gym.

Angelicum and Valenzuela National High mix it up in Group A at 10 a.m. while UST and St. Francis of Assisi tangle at 11 a.m. in Group C.

The 14-team field will play 30 elimination round games in best-of-three, race-to-25-point format with the top two teams in the Luzon leg going to Tacloban to join the best teams from Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and the host city for the national finals in the Tournament of Champions.