NU juniors score in LBC volley

MANILA, Philippines - National U rode on Lord Luna’s superb performance as it pulled off a pair of victories in juniors division of the first LBC Men’s Volleyball League at the UE-Caloocan and Arellano gyms over the weekend.

The power-hitting Luna rammed in a 32-hit effort in powering the Junior Bulldogs to a 26-24, 25-10 romp of the Colegio San Agustin spikers Saturday at the UE gym.

He followed it up with an 11-hit performance as NU spoiled Ateneo’s debut with a 25-16, 25-18 victory at the Arellano gym Sunday.

The weekend NU run put the Junior Bulldogs on top of the field in Group A while matching Angeles U Foundation and Mayamot HS’s big start in Group B.

University of Santo Tomas likewise opened its campaign in the league sponsored by LBC Hari ng Padala with a 25-14, 25-23 victory over Claret also in the high school section.

Gyro Garcia fired 10 kills and came through with three blocks for the Cubs, who dealt the Claret tossers their second loss against a win in Group B.

In seniors’ play, College of St. Benilde drew strength from its attacking game as it repulsed a stubborn AUF side in a marathon 22-25, 27-25, 24-26, 25-19, 15-13 win in Group A of the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza, Toby’s Sports, Dunkin Donuts, Mikasa and Accel.

Jayson Abraham, Jerome Sibal, Manuel Benet and JR Sarmiento fueled the Blazers’ unrelenting net attack as they combined for a whopping 52 hits.

Abraham, Benet and Sibal scored 16 kills while providing the formidable net defense. Sarmiento, on the other hand, provided the needed backup through dinks, tosses and service winners.

AUF fell to 0-4.

University of the East also hacked out a tense 25-23, 16-25, 25-21, 28-26 win over UAAP rival University of the Philippines in Group B.

Angelo Soria scored 11 kills while Homer Lauresta and Benchard Pedrano had nine hits apiece to power the Warriors to their second victory in three games.