Imus, QC open PNVF CL campaigns with wins in women's play; Basilan headlines men's opener winners

Basilan’sMark Dela Pena in action. PNVF

By Dugout Philippines

PASIG--Imus City AJAA rallied from a set down to beat UB Batangas City, 21-25, 25-12, 25-23, 25-16, for a winning start in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League women's pool play Sunday at the PhilSports Arena.

Julie Catindig hammered the set-clinching kill in the third set to give the Cavite-based lady spikers a 2-1 advantage before coasting in the fourth to prevail in the opening Pool A match.

With veteran setter Gyzelle Sy orchestrating the offense, Catindig led Imus with 12 points while Monica Guibao added 10 markers.

Kylie Macatangay paced the Lady Brahmans with 14 points.

In the other Pool A match, Judith Abil scattered seven of her 15 points in the third set and fired three service aces, while Justine Dorog had five of her eight points in the third as Quezon City defeated ICC Caloocan, 27-25, 25-18, 25-17. 

The Lady Vikings tallied three blocks, all coming from Sheeka Espinosa.

Ednelle Maniquis top-scored for Caloocan with eight points.

In men's action on opening day Saturday, Nico Almendras and Kenry Malinis each had 11 points as National University-Pasay opened its campaign with a 25-19, 25-20, 25-22 romp of One Bulacan Republicans in Pool B.

Cignal, with Marck Espejo leading the charge with 18 points, also set in motion its title aspirations with 22-25, 25-12, 25-15, 25-17 conquest of VNS-Quezon City in Pool A.

In the other Pool B match, Pikit North Cotabato AMC G Spikers overcame a second-set loss to beat Imus City-AJAA Spikers, 25-22, 20-25, 25-20, 25-18.

Basilan Tennun Spikers and PGJC Navy later joined Cignal for the early Pool A lead with victories of AIP Benguet.

The Mindanao-based side scored a 25-17, 25-23, 25-19 victory over their counterparts from Northern Luzon. The Sea Lions pinned Benguet a second straight loss with a 25-13, 25-16, 20-25, 25-22, in the nightcap.

Pool C action saw TARAG-Lolek Bacolod outlast Santa Rosa City, 23-25, 25-20, 18-25, 25-18, 15-10, and Baguio City turning back Army-Taguig City, 25-23, 28-26, 25-19.

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