The City of Malabon University Belles overcame jitters to destroy highly touted Technological University of the Philippines in straight sets, 25-13, 25-11, 25-17 at the start of the volleyball event yesterday in the 2023 ROTC Games National Capital Region Leg at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum inside RMSC complex in Manila.

Jessa Pormocille and Marisol Barcelona dominated the scoring charts with well calculated blocks, aces and spikes to forge a rousing start in the Philippine Army competition.

"It's a big win for us. I'm proud of my team that they were able to overcome the challenge from a much bigger university like TUP.

"I'm sure our school officials will be very happy with the way we played," said CMU sports director Jasper Perez.

After taking the opening set, 25-13, Pormocille scored four consecutive aces and Barcelona added three blocks to take the second set with ease. They needed only an hour and 15 minutes to claim the victory in the event that carries the theme: "Tibay at Galing Pagyamanin, Suportahan Palarong ROTC Natin."

"We have only two months of preparations so we are not expecting too much. But they have shown enough guts and determination in the game. I'm sure this will boost their confidence," added Perez.

In the other volleyball matches of the Philippine Army, Quezon City University won over Olivarez College of Parañaque, 3-0, while Our Lady of Lourdes Technological College of Quezon City subdued Pamantasan ng Lungsod Maynila, 3-0.