EMILIO AGUINALDO College (EAC) spoiled Perpetual Help University’s bid for outright entry in the men’s and boys’ finals, while Arellano University clinched the second semifinals berth in the women’s contest on Friday in the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) volleyball tournament at the Arena in San Juan City.
EAC, the reigning men’s champions, dealt the Altas their first loss in eight matches in the season, 25-20, 25-22, 25-17, and the Brigadiers also halted the Junior Altas’ five-game winning run, 25-27, 25-21, 25-21, 21-25.
The Generals grabbed the No. 1 spot with an 8-1 win-loss record for a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals. Reigning Most Valuable Player Howard Mojica unleashed a match-best 20 hits, 15 of which came on kills and five off his powerful jump serves.
“All the players, especially Howard [Mojica] want to win,” EAC Coach Rodrigo Palmero said.
Ralph Joshua Pitogo uncorked 22 hits, while skipper Cee-Jay Hicap and Ederson Rebusora fired 18 and 12 points, respectively, as the Brigadiers get the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four with a 6-1 mark. The Junior Altas fell to 5-1.
Arellano University, meanwhile, survived College of Saint Benilde (CSB), 25-20, 22-25, 28-30, 25-18, 19-17, to advance to the women’s semifinals.
Jovielyn Grace Prado led Arellano University’s charge with 23 hits on 18 spikes and five service aces.
The defending champion Lady Chiefs finished the regular season at second spot with an 8-1 win-loss record, also for a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals.