ARELLANO University kept its poise against a stubborn University of Perpetual Help University side, 22-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 15-5, on Tuesday to close in on a Final Four spot in the women’s division of the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association volleyball tournament at the Filoil Arena Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Jovielyn Prado fired 20 points to make up for a miserable three-point performance in their last game, while Andrea Marzan and Regine Anne Arocha chipped in 16 and 14 points, respectively, to help the Lady Chiefs nail their sixth straight win to forge at least a playoff for a Final Four slot.
Arellano University has now racked 18 straight triumphs from last season, and that includes their Finals sweep of San Sebastian College.
Standing in the leader’s way for a sweep are San Beda (5-0), College of Saint Benilde (3-2) and San Sebastian (3-2).
“Of course, we want that because it will give us the advantage. But we need to work hard for it because we’re playing three tough teams,” Arellano University Coach Obet Javier said.
The Lady Altas made a statement early in the match by claiming the first two sets. But the Lady Chiefs though battled back with Prado coming through with key hits to pull off the come-from-behind win.
The Lady Altas, who were led by skipper Bianca Tripoli’s 20 points and Cindy Imbo’s 19, dropped to 4-2 (win-loss).
Joyce Sta. Rita, meanwhile, scored a career-high 28-point as San Sebastian overcame Mapua, 25-20, 25-7, 29-31, 25-14, to jump back to the magic four with a 3-2 card.
Nikka Marielle Dalisay fired 17, while Daurene Santos and Dangie Encarnacion added in 11 and 10 hits, respectively. Mapua fell to 0-5.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza