MANILA, Philippines — Hope Christian High School (HCS) toppled De La Salle-Lipa (DLSL), 25-14, 25-17, to book the first semifinal seat in girls’ Pool A while Academy of God’s Children (AGC) likewise advanced with a 25-17, 25-8 win over Xavier School (XAS) in the Toby’s Junior Volleyball League at the Toby’s Arena in Pasig last weekend.

The HCS spikers outplayed the defending champions in the first set then sustained their form to frustrate the Lipa-based squad and stretch their win-run to four to reach the semis. AGC, on the other hand, beat Xavier for its fifth straight win in boys’ Pool B of the event sponsored by Toby’s Sports and organized by Metro Sports.

DLSL also fashioned out a 25-8, 25-11 over XAS to zero in on the other semis berth in boys’ Pool B with a 4-0 slate. Rafael Palma Elem. School (RPS) and Elizabeth Seton School (ESS) remain in the hunt with 3-2 and 2-2 cards, respectively.

Chairman's Cup

Everything is set for the staging of the 14th Mount Malarayat Chairman’s Cup on Jan. 21 at the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas. The tournament, organized by Active Group chairman Arch. Antonio Turalba Sr. for the benefit of 30 Turalba Foundation scholars pursuing collegiate degrees at La Salle Lipa, is open to Mount Malarayat club members and guests/sponsors.

The Active Group, now celebrating its 42nd year as one of the country’s leading real estate companies, is the developer of the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club. The 18-hole stroke play competition begins with a shotgun tee-off at the Mt. Lobo/Mt. Malipunyo courses at 7 a.m.

Beach Volley

Boracay will again host the National Beach Football Finals starting on Saturday. Four teams from different regions will make up the field in the event organized by the Beach Football Association of the Philippines (BFAP).

Competing are reigning UFL champion Philippine Air Force representing National Capital Region, Luzon champion Mama Sita’s FC, the Davao All-Stars for Mindanao and the Boracay Dragon, carrying the colors of Visayas. The top two teams after the single round robin eliminations will play in a one-game championship match. —Clyde Mariano

Stricker wins

KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) – Despite losing most of his five-shot lead in only six holes, Steve Stricker steadied himself in time to win the Tournament of Champions by three strokes on Monday, beginning the new PGA Tour season in ideal fashion.

Right when it looked as though Stricker was coming unglued, he made back-to-back birdies at the turn. That restored his lead to three shots, and no one got closer than two shots the rest of the way. Stricker birdied his last hole for a 4-under 69 for his 12th career win, which moved him to No. 5 in the world ranking.

Stricker held back tears – they usually flow freely after his wins – in a sign that perhaps he's getting used to this business of winning. It was his ninth PGA Tour win since he turned 40, and his eighth title in his past 50 tournaments.

U.A.A.P. Volley

University of the East remained unscathed in seven games in the boys’ division while La Salle-Zobel stayed unbeaten in five in the girls’ side in UAAP high school volleyball. UE beat University of the Philippines Integrated School, 25-15, 25-11, 25-11, and La Salle-Zobel, 25-9, 25-13, 25-11, over the weekend at the UE Caloocan gym to dominate the boys’ field.

The femal crew of La Salle-Zobel, on the other hand, beat UPIS, 25-13, 26-24, 26-24, to stay ahead of UE, which defeated National University, 25-19, 25-23, 25-18, and University of Santo Tomas, 25-8, 25-12, 13-25, 15-25, 15-9, with a 5-1 won-loss card.

UST is running third with a 3-3 record followed by UPIS (1-5) and NU (0-5). In the boys’ side, NU and UST are tied for second with 5-2 records, followed by Ateneo (3-4), La Salle-Zobel (1-6) and UPIS (0-7).