Navy, La Salle post early victories

By Josef T Ramos

The Manila Times, Tuesday, 12 October 2010

The Philippine Navy and De La Salle University posted early victories on Sunday against respective opponents in the opening of 2010 National Volleyball Open at the Rizal Technological University (RTU) in Mandaluyong City.

The Philippine Navy relied on the troika of Michelle Laborte, Nerissa Bautista and Suzane Roces to rout hapless University of the East (UE), 25-10, 25-8, 25-9, to earn an opening win in the week-long event organized by the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF).

Laborte finished with 13 kills and 2 blocks, Bautista racked 9 kills and 2 blocks while Roces contributed 11 points as the Navy handed the UE Lady Red Warriors their first loss.

The La Salle Lady Green Spikers rallied past Philippine Air Force, 23-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-18, succeeding the Philippine Navy in the win column at the women’s division of the tournament chaired by PVF Vice President Gener Dungo.

In the men’s division, Philippine Army downed La Salle, 25-16, 31-29, 25-16, Jewels walloped Perpetual Help, 25-21, 25-20, 25-13, and Yellow Brick Road trounced Cagayan, 27-25, 25-15, 25-20.

The games will move to Earist gym in Santa Mesa Manila on Tuesday as reigning women’s champion Philippine Army and men’s defending champion Philippine Air Force start their title defense against respective rivals.

Air Force battles University of Perpetual Help in the first game at 8 a.m. followed by Army vs. Navy at 10 a.m. and Jewels against Yellow Brick Road at 12 noon.

In the women’s division, reigning champion Army faces Navy at 2 p.m. and Air Force collides against RTU at 4 pm.