Tigresses shoot for early lead vs Lady Chiefs

UST Golden Tigresses.–SSL PHOTO

University of Santo Tomas and Arellano dispute the early women’s division lead in the V-League Collegiate Challenge Saturday as they seek follow-ups to impressive debuts at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

Game time is at 3 p.m., with the Golden Tigresses, perennial Final Four fixtures in the UAAP, looking to add to a 25-15, 25-16, 25-19 sweep of the San Beda Lady Red Spikers last Sunday, when coach Shaq delos Santos gave a lot of his promising rookies a huge chunk of playing time.

Kim Rubin led the Tigresses offensively, and Pau Escober started showing her worth as the charismatic Detdet Pepito’s replacement at the libero spot as things looked promising for the Tigresses, who will still have the core of setter Cassie Carballo and prolific scorers Angge Poyos and Reg Jurado for the coming UAAP.

San Beda and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta try to enter the win column at 5 p.m. to cap another busy four-game sked.

Arellano, meanwhile, unveiled a gem in Cassey Florida in a 25-20, 25-22, 25-15 romp of reigning NCAA champion Letran on opening day.

San Beda, which was without its ace scorer Angel Habacon, struggled in its tournament opener against Santo Tomas.

The Lady Red Spikers hope they can match up well with the Lady Altas in an all-NCAA clash. Perpetual dropped a 21-25, 18-25, 22-25 decision to Adamson last Sunday.