THE VOLLEYBELLES of the Philippine Army started off their title drive with a rousing win over the Navy, 25-14, 25-14, 25-13, in the Shakey’s V-League Open Tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium yesterday.
Michelle Carolino knocked down eight kills and made two blocks and four service aces and topscored with 14 hits while Rachel Ann Daquis churned out a solid 13-point performance to key the Army ladies’ sustained charge in the 64-minute victory marking the start of the league’s ninth season’s second conference.
Army unloaded a total of 34 attacks, 12 more than Navy’s to underscore its edge in power while pouncing on its rival’s poor reception with 15 service winners, including five from Jacqueline Alarca and three from Daquis.
Alarca added nine hits while Iari Yongco came in the last two sets to fire five points and Marietta Carolino added four points for the Army ladies, who humbled the San Sebastian Lady Stags to clinch the league’s inaugural Open title last year.
No Navy player scored in double-digit output to typify the team’s offensive struggle with Kiteh Rosale making seven points, including six attacks, and Gretchel Deposoy and Marilou Galido combining for nine markers. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio