Bouncing back from a jittery start that cost them the first set, St. John's Institute Batch 2010-14 beat the Aspirants in three sets, 14-25, 25-18, and 25-13 at the opening of the 3rd SJI Volleyball Friendship Cup at the at the Msgr. John Liu Activity Center, Saturday.

With setter Angel Sy quicker Dorothy Ortega, hitters Natasha Escares Marichi Maligmat, Nicole Jison, Kimberly Conde and Celine Infante, the Aspirants took advantage of the lack of cohesion and error-prone Batch 2010-14 to take the first set.

But Batch 2010-14 got their acts together in the next two sets with College of St. Benilde standout Bianca Lizares executing her blocking moves and net attacks and the reinforcement from setter Isabelle Juson.

Kathleen Tan, Rosel Sy and Juralie Lio also helped in the attack and defense in the net area while Rica Bayhon and Stephanie Salazar complemented the alumni in the back line.

Lizares' CSB teammate Camille Gequillana played in the third set to add more firepower to the alumni and allow the team to clinch an opening day victory.

In the second game, the defending NOPSSCEA champ High School Varsity team dominated the newly formed 2009 & Earlier Team in straight sets, 25-11, 25-9

The off-form Alumni fell to the trap of the Varsity squad led by setter Catherine Pollentes, who set up the attacks of Therese Maravilla, Faye Ruth de Lumen, Patricia Escares, Hannah Infante, MM Maligmat and Martha Araneta.

Also, the unpredictable plays of the youngsters proved to be effective against the alumni with their hitters taking turns in setting up each other for the attack.

In the third game, two new teams debuted with the SJI Moms defeating the Faculty in straight sets, 25-21, 25-20.

The balanced offensive from the Mommies spearheaded by Carmela Gamboa, setter Mitch Gatcheco. Jen Au, Cindy Go, Mabelle Yee , Andrea Ibe powered them to victory against the gallant stand of the Faculty led by Amber Aguilar, Pamela Sarciban, Jenny Villeran, Jaaziel Abellana, and Sara Amor Gustilo.

Three games are played every Saturday starting at 1:30 p.m., with the teams scheduled to play a single round robin and the top four squads advancing into the semifinals.*

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