La Salle-Lipa, MEES snare jr volley crowns

MANILA, Philippines - De La Salle Lipa lady spikers recovered from a first set setback to outclass arch-rival Colegio San Agustin, 18-25, 25-17, 25-14, 25-16, and rule the Toby’s Dunkin’ Donuts Junior volleyball league last week.

Arrienne Ilustre, Patricia Ambal and Ruffa Reyes top-scored for De La Salle Lipa combining for 41 attack points and 11 blocks in the tournament supported by Shakey’s, Mikasa, Asics and Equipe.

In the boys’ division, defending champion Maximo Estrella Elementary School spoiled   DLS-Lipa’s bid for a double championship with a decisive 19-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-20, 15-6 victory, nailing its third straight championship.

Top-scorers for MEES were Zosimo Micutuan with 32 points and Arvin Sayson’s 18 points. “All went wrong for us in the first two sets. But recovered in third set and played well from there for this 3-peat championship,” said coach Johanz Buenvenida.

Second and third runners-up were Concepcion Elementary School and Colegio San Agustin in the boys’ division, respectively, while De La Salle Zobel and Paref Woodrose placed second and third runners-up in the girls’ division.

Most Valuable Player honors went to DLS Lipa’s Ilustre. Other awardees were girls’ division: best setter Alessandra Narciso (DLSZobel), best libero Felcia Cui (DLSZobel, best blocker Patricia Ambal (DLSL), best server Samantha Torres (CSA), best receiver Margaret Elane (Woodrose), best attacker Arrienne Ilustre (DLSL) and best coach Imee Africa (DLSL).

MEES’ Zosimo Micutuan won the Most Valuable Player award in the boys’ division. Other awardees were: Arvin Sayson (MEES) best setter; Alejandro Zaballa (MEES), best libero; Levin Dimayuga (DLSL),best attacker; Rodney Espejo (CES) best server; Joshua Diaz, best receiver; (DLSL), best receiver; Christian de la Paz (CES) best blocker and best coach Johanz Buenvenida (MEES).