Imus AJAA spikers triumphant in PNVF debut

MANILA, Philippines — 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 yesterday 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.

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 from Sheeka Espinosa.

Ednelle Maniquis topscored 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 versus One Bulacan Republicans in Pool B.

Cignal, with Marck Espejo leading the charge with 18 points, also set in motion its title aspirations with a 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.