MANILA, Philippines - Hope Christian School struggled against a feisty Angeles University Foundation side but pulled through just the same, 25-23, 25-17, to open its title-retention campaign in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League at the Arellano gym last Thursday.
Denden Tan and Carol Cerveza, fresh from their stints in the Palarong Pambansa, combined for 21 points and came through with three crucial blocks in the stretch to help Hope complete the straight-set victory over the AUF spikers in Bracket A of the tournament backed by Toby’s Sports, Dunkin’ Donuts, Mikasa and Asics.
AUF seized the lead twice in the second set, the last at 12-8 but failed to sustain its charge in the face of the HCS’ spirited rally.
Also toppling their respective rivals were San Antonio de Padua and St. Scholastica’s College with the former stopping erstwhile unbeaten Imus Institute, 25-15, 25-12, and the latter trouncing Valenzuela Nat’l HS, 25-10, 25-6.
Rialen Sante and Kathleen Magsumbol spearheaded SADP’s charge with 19 points, including seven kills and four blocks.
Meanwhile, action resumes today with Hope and St. Scholastica clashing at 9 a.m. in a duel of fancied bets and University of the East taking on Univ. of Perpetual Help-Laguna at 10 a.m. Araneta U and VNHS square off at 11 a.m. while Unida Christian College battles Diliman Prep School at 1 p.m.