Lady Chiefs off to triumphant start

MANILA, Philippines — Arellano University sought help from half-healthy leader Necole Ebuen as it survived an upset-conscious Lyceum of the Philippines University, 27-25, 25-20, 25-20, yesterday to set in motion its four-peat feat bid in the 94th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Flying V Centre.

Ebuen, who won the MVP plum last season, was not supposed to see action as she was still recovering from a recent surgery but was forced to play after the Lady Chiefs were pushed to the wall by the gritty Lady Pirates.

Ebuen scored only three points but her mere presence propped her team.

Regine Arocha, the two-time Finals MVP who is playing her final season, led the way with 18 hits while doing almost everything in defense while Carla Donato contributed 12.

In men’s action, AU rode on Jesrael Liberato’s heroics as it overpowered LPU, 25-22, 25-14, 25-22, to launch its own title bid.

AU made it a twinkill with a 25-19, 23-25, 26-24, 20-25, 15-12 win over LPU in the juniors’ division.