Meralco, Smart notch opening day wins in Shakey's V-League

MANILA, Philippines – Meralco blew hot and cold and then hot again in the final two sets as it turned back a fiesty Phl National Police, 25-17, 17-25, 21-25, 25-15, 15-9, Sunday to open its campaign with a bang in the Shakey's V-League Season 10 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Maureen Penetrante-Ouano, the 2003 UAAP MVP who helped the La Salle Lady Archers win championships in the UAAP, was all over the place as she had 19 hits, 12 on attacks, four off service aces and three on blocks to lead the Lady Bolts to their first win of the league's resumption after a 10-week break.

In the other game, Smart joined Meralco at the helm with a lopsided 25-16, 25-5, 25-19 win over Far Eastern U.

Down a set to two against the PNP belles, Meralco went on attack mode and dominated the fourth set, forcing a decider that it also took control in snatching the win from the jaws of defeat.

Ivy Remulla, another former La Salle standout, scattered 15 kills including a service ace to close out the match, seal the win and send the Lady Bolts into frantic celebration to delight of their coach.

"Our more experienced players stepped up in this match," said Meralco coach Oliver Almadro in Filipino.

Almadro was referring to Ouano, Remulla and Maika Morada with the last also unleashing 15 hits.

Stephanie Mercado, daughter of former Asian track star Lydia de Vega-Mercado and also formerly of La Salle, also made a good impression as she peppered all his 12 hits on attacks to provide some help.

Almadro said he is happy they played well despite being formed just only two weeks ago.

"We've only practiced for two weeks and its only just a week that we have been practicing as a complete team because most of my players are working their day jobs," said Almadro.

Frances Xinia Molina and Janine Nicole Marciano each unloaded 22 hits including 19 on kills apiece.

The power-hitting pair were instrumental when PNP bounced back from an opening set loss by taking the next two and a 2-1 lead.

But Molina and Marciano disappeared at the face of Meralco relentless onslaught in the final two sets.

GMA News TV Channel 11 airs this match today and the second game (FEU vs Smart) on Tuesday starting at 1 p.m., according to the organizing Sports Vision.