Hope CS spikers wrest Toby's lead

MANILA, Philippines - Hope Christian High School (HCS) came away with back-to-back wins over Jubilee Christian Academy (JAG) and St. Jerome Emiliani Institute (SJE) to grab the solo lead in girls Pool A in the Toby’s Junior Volleyball League at the Toby’s Arena in Pasig last weekend.

The HCS spikers, who kicked off their campaign with a 25-0, 25-8 rout of MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGC) two weeks ago, overwhelmed their JAG rivals, 25-13, 25-17, then downed the SJE side, 25-22, 25-4, to zero in on the semifinal berth in the tournament sponsored by Toby’s Sports and organized by Metro Sports.

JAG, which earlier beat SJE, 25-14, 25-13, dropped to 1-1 while SJE fell to 0-3.

Colegio San Agustin (CSA), meanwhile, disposed of Miriam College (MIC), 25-11, 25-8, to notch its second straight win and pace the girls’ Pool B side of the event backed by Shakey’s, Mikasa and Asics. MIC slid to 1-1.

In boys’ play, defending champion Concepcion Elementary School (CES) held off CSA, 25-19, 25-15, to grab the lead in Pool A with two wins while St. Jerome Emiliani Institute (SJE) pulled off a thrilling 25-22, 26-28, 25-21 victory over St. James College (SJP) for second with a 2-1 card. SJP dropped to 1-2.

But focus is on Pool B as three teams tied for the lead with two wins with Elizabeth Seton School (ESS) and De La Salle-Lipa (DLL) beating Xavier School (XAS), 25-6, 25-19, and Rafael Palma Elem. School (RPS), 25-17, 25-20, respectively.

Academy of God’s Children (AGC) matched those 2-0 cards with a come-from-behind 22-25, 25-22, 25-21 victory over RPS, which fell to 1-2.