FEU, Arellano early leaders in LBC volley

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern U and Arellano U hurdled their respective rivals in similar fashions to share the early lead in the first LBC Men’s Volleyball League at the Ateneo Blue Eagle gym in Quezon City last Wednesday.

The Tams bucked an opening set setback and turned back the Eagles, 17-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-20, to match the Chiefs’ similar four-set victory over the Bulldogs.

The Chiefs survived the Bulldogs’ late charge to carve out a 25-19, 25-18, 26-28, 25-20 victory in the first match of the third playdate of the inaugural league sponsored by LBC Hari ng Padala headed by chief marketing director Javy Mantecon.

The power-hitting tandem of Ronnie Aranjuez and Jeth Garcia of Arellano U combined for 37 hits, including 12 kills and 10 blocks, in a big start in the tournament reviving men’s volleyball.

FEU’s troika of Roland Tonquin, Karl dela Calzada and Ian Depamaylo, on the other hand, pooled 42 points, including 14 on attacks, as the Tams rebounded from a shaky first set performance to foil the Eagles’ bid for a second straight win.

The Eagles dropped to 1-1 following its scary 25-22, 25-13, 22-25, 28-26 win over the St. Benilde Blazers last Sunday in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza, Toby’s Sports, Dunkin’ Donuts, Mikasa and Asics.

Meanwhile, action resumes Sunday with NU out to bounce back with a victory over St. Dominic Savio in the lone seniors match at the Arellano gym.

International School Manila tangles with Mayamot while Claret takes on Angeles Univ. Foundation in the juniors side of the tournament which features 24 teams, including 11 in the varsity division.