Amihan Pilipinas set to go on a nationwide tour with PLDT Home Ultera

The Amihan Pilipinas volleyball superstars (L-R): Lizlee Ann Pantone, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Nerissa Bautista, Honey Rose Tubino, Christina Salak, Dindin Santiago, Rachel Anne Daquis, Jaja Santiago, Mary Jean Balse, Mika Reyes, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Kim Fajardo and Jen Reyes. Not in photo: Ara Galang, Rhea Dimaculangan and Maika Ortiz.

The all-star Amihan Pilipinas women's volleyball team will be touring around the country this summer season to help promote the sport in the grassroots level.

In coordination with PLDT Home Ultera, the Philippine Volleyball Federation, and the different local government units, Amihan is set to visit ten cities to assist in unearthing volleyball talents via clinics and exhibition matches, while helping the PLDT Home Ultera Install Patrol bring LTE broadband accessibility to each location.

PLDT Home's marketing head Gary Dujali believes that having this Install Patrol tour with the Amihan squad will help "bring the sport to a whole new level." He adds that "fans get to be mentored by the country's top volleyball coaches and play against their favorite Amihan Pilipinas superstars."

Amihan is composed of "the cream of the crop in women's volleyball" in Mika Reyes, Rachel Anne Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga, the Santiago sisters (Dindin and Jaja), Ara Galang, Nerissa Bautista, Mary Jean Balse, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Jen Reyes, Tina Salak, Honey Royse Tubino, Rhea Dimaculangan, Maika Ortiz, and Lizlee Ann Gata-Pantone. Joining these players are the following coaches: Ramil de Jesus, Ariel dela Cruz, and Rico de Guzman.

Amihan already made their way to General Trias and Dasmarinas in Cavite, as well as Iloilo, Sta. Maria, Bulacan, and Lipa, Batangas, while they are to come to Puerto Princesa, Palawan and Pampanga this month.

Details on the PLDT Home Ultera-Amihan tour can be seen on www.pldthome.com.

NU volleyball in do-or-die action

Games today at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:
2 p.m. – NU vs UST (men semis)
4 p.m. – FEU vs NU (women step-ladder)

National University will have a full afternoon of action at The Big Dome today, with the resumption of postseason collegiate volleyball action.

Kicking off the doubleheader is the men's Final Four matchup against UST at 2pm. The defending champions forced a winner-take-all match after beating the second seeds, 26-24, 28-26, 23-25, and 25-21 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Awaiting the winner is top seed Ateneo on Wednesday. The Blue Spikers dispatched Adamson in the other Final Four matchup.

The second game of the doubleheader features the Lady Bulldogs going up against Far Eastern University in the official start of the stepladder postseason in women's volleyball.

NU has gone 6-3 since the move to hire Roger Gorayeb as head coach, who remains hopeful that they can replicate the feat Ateneo did last season in its ascent to the championship.

The Lady Tamaraws completed the cast after defeating old rivals UST in a a playoff, 25-21, 25-15, 20-25, 16-25, 15-6. The win marks their return to the postseason after missing out on the last two seasons. Libero Tin Agno was the only player from that squad that is still on the roster.

For head coach Shaq delos Santos, he wants to see the Lady Tamaraws to remain focused and enjoying the game, as they play their fourth straight elimination match. He adds, "Maganda ang ikinikilos ng NU, pero hindi kami nawawalan ng pag-asa. Nakakaakyat na kami. Yung butas ng karayom, napapalaki namin. Pero hindi kami puwedeng mag-relax dahil tiyak na magiging intense ang pangyayari sa game (today),"

UST, FEU keep postseason hopes alive

The postseason for women's volleyball got a little more complicated, with UST and FEU ensuring that at least one playoff game will be needed before the stepladder officially begins.

The Tigresses assured themselves of at least a playoff after easily dispatching the UE Lady Warriors, 25-10 25-22 and 25-11. EJ Laure and Pam Lastimosa combined to score 21 points in the win and sending Francis Vicente's side without a win for season 77.

The other women's match saw FEU took care of things against Adamson, 25-20 25-21 and 25-18, in what amounted to be a play-in game for the playoff. Head coach Shaq delos Santos said that the Lady Tamaraws were slowly gaining in confidence, especially with wins against UP and now Adamson, squads that are also in the playoff hunt.

Bernadette Pons and Remy Palma each scored twelve points in the win, while Geneveve Casugod added ten of her own.

In the men's side, the Tiger Spikers of UST secured the remaining twice-to-beat advantage still in play, defeating Ateneo in five sets, 25-15 22-25 25-23 17-25 15-13. The other game saw defending champions NU snatch the third seed in beating Adamson, 26-28 25-17 25-17 and 25-21. The Final Four matchups sees Ateneo against Adamson and UST against NU.



The final set of volleyball games in the eliminations is set to take place later today, highlighted by the women's matchup between NU and UP. The Lady Bulldogs are seeded third in the stepladder regardless of the result, but the Lady Maroons need to win in order to gain entry into a playoff for it, joining the Tigresses and the Lady Tamaraws. Otherwise, UST and FEU will joust for that final spot of the stepladder on Wednesday.

Lady Bulldogs make women's volleyball postseason

NU officially booked its seat in the postseason for the third straight season with a tightly fought four-set victory over Adamson, 25-18 22-25 26-24 25-19.

Jaja Santiago led the way with 25 points, including six blocks, while Rizza Mandapat added 12 points and nine digs for head coach Roger Gorayeb. The duo joined forces to allow the Lady Bulldogs to pull away in the fourth set after a 7-all deadlock.

Mylene Paat and Jessica Galanza led the Lady Falcons with fifteen markers each, while Amanda Villanueva added fourteen.

In the second game, FEU forced a four-way tie for the fourth and final spot in the stepladder by defeating UP, 19-25 25-15 25-19 and 25-19.

Head coach Shaq delos Santos was pleased to see their willingness to win, noting that the skills are already there. He adds, "Malaki ang tiwala sa team ko, kahit mga bata pa yan, naniniwala ako sa kakayahan nila. Paghihirapan namin yung last game against Adamson, yun ang kailangan naming magawa."

Bernadette Pons topscored with 20 points and 11 digs, while Remy Palma netted 16, including three blocks.

The Lady Maroons, hampered by an ineffective Nicole Tiamzon all-game long, were led by Angeli Araneta and Marian Buitre, who combined for 26 points.

That spot will receive some clarity this weekend, as FEU and Adamson duke it out in one matchup, while UST (against UE) and UP (against NU) seek to muddle the picture.

On the men's side, Ateneo dispatched La Salle, 25-17 27-25 and 25-21 to guarantee itself of at least a playoff for the twice-to-beat advantage, while UST continued its course to snatch that with a 25-12 28-26 and 25-21 straight set win over UP.

12 straight for Ateneo in UAAP women's volleyball

Standings   W    L
Ateneo        12   0
La Salle      11   1
Adamson     5    6
NU              5    6
UST             5    7
UP               4    7
FEU            4    7
UE              0    12

Games Saturday at the Filoil Flying V Arena:
8 a.m. – Ateneo vs FEU (men)
10 a.m. – La Salle vs UST (men)
2 p.m. – UST vs UP (women)
4 p.m. – FEU vs NU (women)

Defending champions Ateneo made history on Wednesday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena, as they defeated UST, 25-18 25-22 and 25-22 to remain unbeaten this season after twelve games.

Alyssa Valdez's 21 points led the charge as the Lady Eagles reached the 12-win mark in the eliminations for the first time. Amy Ahomiro and Michelle Morente combined to score 23 points, while Jia Morado contributed 33 sets.

"We are really thankful we survived this game talaga. It was very well played. Yung UST, sobrang ganda ng game nila, yung depensa nila. Ipinapakita sa amin na marami pang kailangan na mai-improve," said the reigning MVP.

Much like their win against FEU, the ladies of head coach Anusorn Bundit got some breaks due to opposing errors late, dooming them to back-to-back losses after stringing together four straight wins.

The victory, however, came with some worries, as both Aeriel Patnongon and Maddie Madayag suffered left ankle injuries, with the latter not being able to continue. Valdez herself also had her wrist taped a bit after getting a knock while hustling for a ball. In a positive note, Bea de Leon was suited up to play, although the rookie's services was not needed for this one.

In the other women's match, La Salle continued their impressive form with a 25-6 25-17 and 25-17 victory over winless UE. Ara Galang and Mika Reyes led the Lady Spikers with ten markers apiece.

For last season's finals participants, yesterday marked the first day of their cramped schedule, to be capped off by their much anticipated second round meeting on February 18.

Earlier, the postseason cast for men's volleyball was officially set, after defending champions National University eliminated Far Eastern University, 25-13 25-23 25-23. Adamson had officially booked its seat after dispatching a winless UE side, 25-16 25-15 and 25-20.

La Salle snaps UST streak, Ateneo keeps winning run going in UAAP volleyball

Standings  W   L
Ateneo       11   0
La Salle     10    1
UST           5    6
UP             4    6
Adamson    4    6
NU             4    6
FEU           4    7
UE              0    10

Games Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

8 a.m. – UE vs UST (men)
10 a.m. – UP vs Ateneo (men)
2 p.m. – UE vs NU (women)
4 p.m. – UP vs Adamson (women)

La Salle clinched the other twice-to-beat advantage in UAAP women's volleyball yesterday, as they stopped UST's four-game winning streak, 25-21 25-9 and 25-18, at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

Ara Galang scored 17 points, while Cyd Demecillo added twelve in the straight sets win, their tenth in eleven games this season.

Head coach Ramil de Jesus praised the performance of the Lady Spikers, saying that "Siguro, maganda lang inilaro ng mga bata at na-execute yung iniaral nila sa scouting."

Said scouting paid off, as they limited UST mainstays EJ Laure, Pam Lastimosa, and Ria Meneses to six points each, with Carmela Tunay held to only three markers.

The loss dropped the Tigresses to a 5-6 record, but still allowed them to keep solo third

The other women's match saw Ateneo maintain its unblemished record with a 25-23 25-21 25-23 win over FEU.

The Lady Tams had a chance to snatch an advantage in the third set, but were done in by consecutive errors from Toni Rose Basas and Kyle Negrito.

Playing their first game without Bea de Leon, the Lady Eagles collectively filled the gap mainly by plugging Maddie Madayag into that hole. The rookie netted four points in her first start for the team.

It had been announced that de Leon will be out for 4-6 weeks due to an index finger injury. According to Alyssa Valdez, the team had to adjust to not having Bea and "we were glad we were able to survive this game."

Valdez finished with 23 points and seven digs to lead the defending champions, while Amy Ahomiro added 13 markers, including five service aces.

The Lady Tamaraws dropped to 4-7 with the loss, with Bernadette Pons contributing thirteen points and Jerrili Malabanan adding nine.

In the men's division, upsets prevailed, with FEU defeating Adamson, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, and 25-23. The Green Spikers of La Salle, already eliminated in the Final Four race at 3-8, issued a third straight loss for National University, hacking out a 26-24, 25-19, and 25-22 win to the defending champions.

Streaking UST, La Salle clash in UAAP women's volleyball

Standings  W   L
Ateneo      10   0
La Salle     9    1
UST           5    5
UP             4    6
FEU           4    6
Adamson   4    6
NU             4    6
UE             0    10

Games today at the Filoil Flying V Arena:

8 a.m. – Adamson vs FEU (men)
10 a.m. – NU vs La Salle (men)
2 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (women)
4 p.m. – La Salle vs UST (women)

Two streaking teams battle it out at the Filoil Flying Arena later today, with La Salle facing off against UST at 4pm.

The Tigresses have racked off four straight wins to rise from seventh to solo third in the standings, aiming to extend that winning run and also secure some breathing room in their quest to secure a spot in the postseason.

To secure that sought-after breathing room, however, UST will have to deal with last year's finalists in back-to-back games, starting today against the Lady Spikers and next week against Ateneo.

Head coach Odjie Mamon sees this matchup against La Salle as a chance to gauge their improvement from their struggles earlier in the season. Their first round meeting ended in DLSU's favor, 25-23 27-25 and 25-17.

As for La Salle, a win here would ensure them a twice-to-beat advantage in the postseason. Head coach Ramil de Jesus remains cautious, saying that "UST is peaking right now. So ganoon, kailangang paghandaan."

The other women's match involves the defending champions playing their first game without Bea de Leon. The rookie suffered a broken index finger during practice and will be sidelined for around four to six weeks.

The Lady Eagles will be a huge test for the Lady Tamaraws, as they try to get themselves a leg up in the logjam for the final two postseason slots still in play.

Also taking place this morning is the men's division, with NU and Adamson seeking to get themselves closer to earning postseason berths against separate opposition.

Alfafara and Espejo lead MVP charge in UAAP 77 men's volleyball

Games Sunday at The Arena in San Juan:

8 a.m. – Ateneo vs UE (men)
10 a.m. – UP vs NU (men)
2 p.m. – UP vs Ateneo (women)
4 p.m. – UE vs La Salle (women)

The last two MVPs in UAAP men's volleyball are leading the way in the chase for this season's top individual award.

Season 75 MVP and UST ace Mark Alfafara is tops in the league in scoring with 106 points (on 95 spikes, eight blocks, and three service aces), while Season 76 ROY-MVP Marck Espejo is in second with 93 points (78 attacks, eight blocks, and seven service aces).

Completing the top five in scoring are freshman Edward Camposano of UE (82 points), Romnick Rico of UST (81 points), and Fauzi Ismail (76 points) of the two-time defending champions NU.

The Bulldogs remain undefeated so far this season, and it is in part due to the efforts of three players leading the league in certain categories.

Ismail is the top spiker so far with a 56.8% rating, while last season's Finals MVP Peter Torres is the top blocker with a 1.11 average per set. Vince Mangulabnan is the top server with a 0.56 average per set.

Completing the cast of outstanding men's volleyball players so far are Adamson's Rence Melgar, who leads the league in digs (3.05 per set) and in receiving (46.89%), while Ateneo Blue Spiker Ish Polvorosa is the top setter (9.11 per set).

Volleyball action will kick off 2015 for the UAAP, with the Ateneo facing UE at 8am, followed by NU against UP at 10am.

*Stats come from TMX Sports, which is the official statistician for UAAP volleyball.

Ara Galang and Alyssa Valdez lead UAAP women's volleyball MVP race

Games Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Arena:

8 a.m. – Ateneo vs UE (men)
10 a.m. – UP vs NU (men)
2 p.m. – UP vs Ateneo (women)
4 p.m. – UE vs DLSU (women)

Former high school teammates Ara Galang and Alyssa Valdez lead the race for the Most Valuable Player in Season 77 of UAAP women's volleyball heading into the holiday break.

Galang is leading the charge for the 5-0 Lady Spikers with 105 points (82 spikes, thirteen blocks, ten service aces) to top the league in scoring. 27 of those points came against Adamson on November 23, which is the highest point total in one game so far.

As for Valdez, the reigning MVP is the league's top spiker with a 45.33% success rating, as well as the best service with a 0.83 per set average. She is a far second behind Galang in the points tally with just 81 points (68 attacks, ten service aces, and three blocks).

Completing the top five in the scoring race are FEU's Bernadette Pons (76), NU's Jaja Santiago (75) and UP's Nicole Tiamzon (72).

To add to her top-five scoring feat, Santiago is second behind Valdez in spiking with a 41.29% clip.

In the blocking category, La Salle's Mika Reyes and Adamson's Mylene Paat each average 1.00 per set to lead the league.

Paat's teammate, Len Cortel, is setting the pace in digs with 3.29, followed by Tin Agno at 2.79 for FEU.

Sophomore standout Jia Morado from Ateneo is leading in setting with 10.67 per set, with last season's best setter Kim Fajardo in second place with 8.24.

Jia's fellow teammates Ella de Jesus and Denden Lazaro are 1-2 in receiving, with a 43.48% and 40% rating, respectively.

The league will resume action on Sunday at The Arena in San Juan, with the Battle of Katipuan at 2pm, followed the matchup of the best and worst teams in the league in La Salle and UE at 4pm.

*TMX Sports is the official statistician for UAAP volleyball.

UE bags 11th straight Jrs Volleyball Crown

The University of the East extended its reign in UAAP boys' volleyball to eleven straight seasons, completing the sweep with a 20-25, 25-20, 25-14, 18-25, and 20-18 win over Ateneo this past Sunday.

Having to deal with the graduation of last year's MVP in Edward Camposano and an ACL injury to Ruvince Abrot during the last day of the eliminations, the senior-laden Junior Warriors relied on Tournament MVP Ron Medalla, Best Attacker Joshua Umandal, Best Setter Adrian Imperial, and Best Libero Ralph Imperial to preserve its unblemished record. Medalla would clinch the title with a smash towards Anthony Sarino.

Head coach Ruel Pascual said, "The players worked hard for this one. We are blessed to win another championship."

Ateneo did come close to ending UE's streak, after forcing them to the full five-set limit in both finals games. Their runner-up finish was buoyed by their do-or-die victories against UST in the playoff and against National University in the semifinals.

Completing the award winners are Best Server Sebastian Cuerva, Best Blocker Gian Carlo Glorioso, (both from Ateneo) Rookie of the Year Reymart Reyes, and Best Receiver Daryl Cayamso (both from NU).

NU claims UAAP Girls' Volleyball title

NATIONAL University took its first-ever UAAP girls volleyball crown Thursday at the Adamson gym

National University secured its first girls' volleyball crown in the UAAP, needing four sets to dethrone University of Santo Tomas, 25-21, 28-26, 26-28, and 25-12.

NU avenged their defeat in last year's finals, as they took the title via a two-game sweep. They capped the title with a Jennifer Nierva spike to give the F. Jhocson school the championsip.

Nierva was feted as the Best Server for the season, while teammate Faith Nisperos was named as the MVP. Also feted were Rica Diolan as Best Setter and Christine Magallanes as the Best Libero.

In spite of the championship defeat, UST will not go home empty-handed, as Eya Laure and Pauline Gaston were named as the Best Attacker and Best Blocker, respectively.

The other ladies who secured individual awards are La Salle-Zobel's Mildred Dizon as Best Receiver, and Far Eastern University-Diliman's Rachel Ann Fabro as the Rookie of the Year.

The other match saw the Ateneo Blue Eaglets secure a finals berth, pulling out a 25-20, 28-26, and 27-25 upset of second-seed National University. Win sets up a clash against the undefeated University of the East, who are seeking their eleventh straight title in boys' volleyball.

UE, NU finish atop UAAP HS volleyball elims

The University of the East swept through the field in the process of securing the first Finals slot in the UAAP Season 77 boys' volleyball tournament at the Adamson Gym.

The Junior Warriors dispatched La Salle-Zobel in straight sets, 25-15, 25-16, and 25-11 to complete a twelve-game sweep in the eliminations. UE is now two wins away from securing an eleventh-straight crown.

The stepladder post-season sees 3rd seed Ateneo (8-4) take on 4th seed UST (7-5) in a playoff, with the winner facing the 2nd seed NU (9-3) on a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the stepladder semifinals.

On the distaff side, National University easily handled Far Eastern University, 25-5, 25-13, and 25-13 to claim the top seed with a 11-1 record.

NU will face Adamson in the Final Four, with UST facing La Salle-Zobel in the other match-up. The defending champions clinched the second seed and will have a twice-to-beat advantage thanks to their 4-set victory over Adamson.

Adamson needed a playoff to secure that last postseason slot, going the full five sets to beat UE, 25- 21, 25-21, 17-25, 18-25, and 15-7.

NU, UST nab UAAP beach volleyball crowns

National University and the University of Santo Tomas needed three games to dispatch their respective opponents this past weekend to secure the UAAP titles for men's and women's beach volleyball at the sand courts of UE Caloocan.

The tandem of Josephenry Tipay and Edwin Tolentino for National University downed the Tiger Spikers duo of Kris Roy Guzman and Mark Alfafara to secure their third straight title in the men's division and matching FEU for the most number of titles since the event became part of the official UAAP calendar.

On Saturday, NU took Game 1, 15-21, 21-18, and 17-15, but UST forced a winner-take-all on Sunday with a 23-21 and 21-16 victory.

The decided went to the full three-set limit, 19-21, 21-18, and 17-15, with Tipay securing the match-clinching kill. He was then awarded the Most Valuable Player crown.

"Great exit, napakaganda ng team chemistry namin," said Tipay. "Hindi naging madali para sa amin, pero nandoon ang puso namin. Hindi kami nagpabaya."

Tiger Spikers head coach Emil Lontoc remained positive in spite of the defeat, saying "Masaya pa rin. Mag-aral na lang tayo sa pagkukulang natin at 'yung tama, itama pa natin ng todo."

UE's Edward Camposano was named as the Rookie of the Year.

In the women's side, the rookie duo of Cherry Rondina and Rica Rivera belied their perceived inexperience to lead UST back atop the heap, taking down La Salle in three games.

Undefeated in the eliminations, UST took Game 1, 21-15 and 25-23, ending the match on a Rivera service ace.

La Salle finally managed to put a blemish on the Lady Spikers' record in Game 2, 16-21, 22-20, and 18-16, as Cyd Demecillo secured the final two points needed to establish the win and prevent the sweep.

Securing a split forced a Game 3 on Sunday morning. UST started off slow, going down 0-4, but managed to regroup, eventually uncorking ten straight points to take control of the match. They would eventually win the first set, 21-15.

The second set saw a curious move by DLSU head coach Ramil de Jesus, inserting Ara Galang in place of Demecillo to partner with Kim Fajardo, but the change did not faze UST as Rondina's service ace ensured a 16-6 lead, allowing the Lady Spikers to eventually coast to a 21-11 win.

Rondina was named as the MVP, while Rivera was named as the Rookie of the Year. The tandem already brought honor to the school this past summer at the Philippine National Games, netting a silver medal for their efforts.

"Na-pressure lang kami siguro, nadala lang siguro kami sa cheering ng mga tao," said Rondina, adding that, "Hindi ako makapaniwala kasi mga beterano kasi ang mga kinalaban namin. Ang sa amin eh yung maglaro kung anong itinuro sa amin ni coach (Emil Lontoc)."

Lontoc gave the ladies their due, "Fast learner sila. Pagdating sa ball training, doon sila lumalamang sa mga kalaban at the same time 'yung ball quickness. Kapag nag-mature pa sila, mas malaki pa ang tiyansa manalo."

Rivera chimed in, "Malaking achievement kasi nga Rookie of the Year, pero mas masayang part na nag-champion kami, na 'yun nakuha naming title as rookies."

In an interview, de Jesus explained that the decision to replace Cyd with Ara was due to the former having a problem with her right foot that came up after Game 2.

La Salle secures finals in UAAP women's beach volleyball

Games on September 6 (Saturday) at the UE Caloocan sand court

9 a.m. – UST vs NU (Men’s Finals, Game 1)
9:30 a.m. – La Salle vs UST (Women’s Finals, Game 1)
10 a.m. – UST vs NU (Men’s Finals, Game 2)
10:30 a.m. – La Salle vs UST (Women’s Finals, Game 2)

La Salle and UST duke it out for the women's beach volleyball crown at the UE Caloocan sand court this weekend, after the Lady Spikers ousted defending champions Adamson, 21-11 and 21-14.

Amanda Villanueva and Marleen Cortel managed to get past FEU in straight sets, 21-13 and 21-15 to open the stepladder proper, but the duo just could not handle the attacking and combination plays of their Taft counterparts Cyd Demecillo and Kim Fajardo.

On the prospects of facing UST in their quest to give La Salle their maiden title in this event, Fajardo says, "Siyempre nandito na kami, maghahanda namin ng sobra. Hindi namin palalagpasin yung pagkakataon na nasa Finals kami. Paghuhugutan namin yung experience sa laro."

The Female Spikers own a thrice-to-beat advantage, thanks to their sweep of the eliminations. The rookie duo of Cherry Rondina and Rica Rivera are seeking the school's third beach volley title, which would put them level with Adamson as the winningest side.

On the men's side, UST and National University forged a finals rematch after dispatching their respective Final Four opponents.

The Male Spikers duo of Mark Alfafara and Kris Roy Guzman defeated FEU's Greg Dolor and Joshua Barrica, 21-15 and 21-14, while the Bulldogs' Edwin Tolentino and Josephnry Tipay took out Adamson's Rence Melgar and Michael Sudaria with identical 21-16 scores.

UST continues UAAP beach volleyball domination

The University of Santo Tomas secured the first postseason spot in the UAAP Season 77 women's beach volleyball competition on Wednesday at the UE Caloocan sand court.

The rookie duo of Cherry Rondina and Rica Rivera continued their winning form in dispatching their FEU counterparts Bernadettte Pons and Charm Simborio, 21-15 and 21-16, then followed that with a 21-6 and 21-14 dismantling of UP's Arylle Magtalas and Hannah Mangulabnan.

The Female Spikers are just two wins away from sweeping the eliminations, and the corresponding incentive of an automatic finals seat and a thrice-to-beat advantage.

Trying to chase them down is La Salle, who needed three sets to defeat National University, 21-17, 20-22, and 15-9. They tote a 3-1 record, just ahead of FEU and Adamson.

UST is also undefeated in men's beach volleyball after four games, with the duo of Mark Alfafara and Kris Roy Guzman winning over UE's Edward Camposano and Carlo Almario, 21-16 and 21-12.

The other results sees defending champions NU down Ateneo, 21-19 and 21-14, Adamson soaring over La Salle, 24-22 and 21-17, and FEU easing past UP with identical 21-19 scores.

UAAP Beach Volleyball action commences

Defending champions Adamson opened its title defense with a straight sets victory over Ateneo yesterday at the sand courts of UE Caloocan.

The Lady Falcon duo of Amanda Villanueva and Marleen Cortel, who is attempting to fill the gap left by Season 76 MVP Shiela Pineda, outlasted the Lady Eagle tandem of Michelle Morente and Jhoana Maraguinot, 21-10 and 22-20.

Adamson's chance to sweep the day was denied by National University, as the duo of Jaja Santiago and Fatima General needed three sets to win, 19-21, 21-16, 15-9. The Lady Bulldogs lost their opener, 21-18 and 21-15 to Far Eastern University's pair of Bernadette Pons and Charm Simborio.

Meanwhile, the rookie duo of Cherry Rondina and Rica Rivera for the University of Santo Tomas defeated La Salle's Ara Galang and Cyd Demecillo, 21-18 and 21-13, while the University of the Philippines' Arylle Magtalas and Hannah Mangulabnan defeated their University of the East counterparts Francislyn Cais and Krysel Cueva, 21-17 and 21-18.


In men's beach volleyball, Adamson upset defending champions National University. Michael Sudaria and Rence Melgar won in straight sets against Edwin Tolentino and Josephnry Tipay, 21-17 and 21-19.

The other men's results sees Ateneo over La Salle, 21-16 and 21-14, FEU over UE, 21-10 and 21-14, and UST over UP, 21-16 and 21-14.

UE sweeps first round of UAAP boys volleyball

UE continue their romp through the UAAP boys volleyball tournament at the Adamson Gym, closing out their first round play with three successive straight set wins.

The Junior Warriors beat NU (25-17, 25-22, 25-11), UST (25-9, 25-17, 25-22), and UPIS (25-9, 25-8, 25-10) to end the first round unblemished at 6-0.

In spite of their loss to the defending champions, the Bullpups remain in step, bouncing back with four-set wins over Ateneo (21-25, 27-25, 25-22, 27-25) and La Salle (25-16, 14-25, 25-17, 25-20) to take a 5-1 record.

Ateneo is in third place with a 4-2 record, just ahead of UST, which totes a 3-3 slate. The Loyola Heights-based squad beat the Tiger Cubs, 25-22, 25-19, 25-19, to close out their first round play.

Completing the symmetrical nature of the standings are FEU-Diliman (2-4), La Salle-Zobel (1-5), and UPIS (0-6).

Second round action commences on August 23 at the Adamson Gym.

Updates from the High School Volleyball realm in the UAAP

The quest for their eleventh straight UAAP boys' volleyball title begins on a positive vibe for the University of the East, as they dispatched Ateneo in straight sets on Sunday at the Adamson Gym.

Ron Medalla and Ruvince Abrot led the charge to take the win, 25-12 25-17 and 25-14.

UST temporarily took hold of the top spot after netting two victories this past weekend, beating La Salle-Zobel in straight sets 25-15 25-22 and 25-22 on Saturday, before going the full limit against FEU-Diliman, 17-25 25-14 23-25 25-16 and 15-10 on Sunday.

The Junior Archers did manage to bounce back on Sunday by keeping UPIS winless, 25-22 25-17 and 26-24.

Last year's runners-up NU also had a promising start, needing four sets to take out the Junior Tamaraws, 23-25 25-23 25-15 and 25-15.

On the distaff side, National University eased past FEU-Diliman, 25-16 25-13 and 25-10, while UE needed five sets to beat Adamson, 25-19 25-23 14-25 14-25 and 15-13.

UPIS still remains winless after losing to La Salle-Zobel on Saturday, 25-14 25-14 and 25-12, and against Adamson on Sunday, 25-14 25-14 and 25-19.

UAAP High School Volleyball to commence today

With the UAAP decision to move high school basketball to the second semester, it also resulted with the move to have the high school volleyball competition.

Season 77 for that competition officially commences today at the Adamson Gym, with triple-headers on deck for both the boys and girls section.

Kicking off the festivities are the boys, with Ateneo and UPIS opening play at 8am. National University tests newcomers FEU-Diliman at 930am, while capping things is the clash between La Salle-Zobel and UST at 11am.

The girls would then continue high school action with La Salle-Zobel against UPIS at 1230pm, followed by NU against FEU-Diliman at 2pm. The last match features Adamson against UE at 330pm.

The champions drew byes and will not participate on the opening day matches. Instead, they will commence play on Sunday. Both schools lose their respective MVPs, with UST beginning life after Ennajie Laure and UE with Edward Camposano.

Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championships to commence today on TV5

Today marks the opening of the Asian Men's Club Volleyball Championships, presented by PLDT Home Fibr.

To be held at the MOA Arena and the Cuneta Astrodome, the AMCC will commence with the opening ceremonies at 12 noon, followed by the opening match featuring first-time participants and hosts, the Philippines (represented by PLDT Home TVolution) against Mongolia at 2:00 PM.

Originally 18 teams, the field was whittled down to 16 after withdrawals from Kuwait and India. The champions will represent the confederation in the World Championships in Brazil.

TV5 will broadcast the AMCC matches, including all the Filipino matches. TVolution will also stream the matches.

For more details: http://asianmensvball.pldthome.com/