Rizal Xentro Mall successfully defended its home turf beating visiting team San Juan-Go For Gold Philippine Navy, 29-27, 23-25, 25-19, 26-24, open its campaign in the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association on a winning note Sunday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
Fueled by their loud-cheering home crowd, the Golden Coolers fended off the Lady Knights in the tightly-contested match that needed an extension in the first and fourth sets.
Joan Doguna rifled in 16 points all on attacks to lead Rizal Xentro Mall. Janeth Tulang and Johna Dolorito added 13 and 12 markers, respectively, for the Cromwell Garcia-mentored squad.
Florence Madulid and Patty Orendain led the tough stand of San Juan with 21 and 20 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Negros Oriental swept Caloocan, 25-23, 25-16, 25-19, to join Rizal in the opening day winners list.
Angel Habacon had 15 points while Gelah Lopez got 12 markers to show the way for the Lady Blue Hawks.
Rhea Manalo paced the Batang Kankaloo with eight points.
No less than former senator Manny Pacquiao, who also established the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, headlined the grand opening ceremony of yet another upstart league aimed at showcasing the country’s homegrown talents – this time in volleyball.
“For the pioneering eight teams, thank you for being with us. I am sure next year, more teams will be joining as sports is always a good source of discovering Filipino talents,” Pacquiao, an eight-division boxing champion, said.
