MANILA – The Arellano University Lady Chiefs moved a win closer from an outright finals seat in NCAA Season 94 women’s volleyball after a 18-25, 25-16, 25-19, 26-24 win over University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas on Thursday at the San Juan Arena.
Necole Abuen and Regine Arocha anchored the offense with 16 and 11 markers, respectively, while Princess Bello added nine markers for the defending champions Lady Chiefs.
With 8-0 win-loss slate, the Lady Chiefs will just need to win against San Beda University Lady Red Spikers in its final elimination round match to barge to its third consecutive finals appearance.
After losing the opening set, the Lady Chiefs showed its championship poise in the next three sets with strong starts before preventing the Lady Altas from mounting a fight back.
“Sweep talaga ang gusto namin this season at ‘yung makatuntong na kami ng finals. Pero may game pa rin kami against Beda. Eh alam natin na high-caliber sila. Iba rin magiging laro sa Beda,” said Lady Chiefs head coach Obet Javier.
Even with the loss, the 4-3 Lady Altas remained in the hunt for a semifinals seat and could secure one if they will beat San Sebastian College Recolletos Lady Stags on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights outlasted the Mapua University Lady Cardinals in a grueling five-setter, 14-25, 26-24, 23-25, 25-17, 15-13 for its third win in the tournament.
Miracle Mendoza paced the Lady Knights with 21 points as they overpowered the Lady Cardinals 60-50 on attacks even if all the Mapua starting spikers submitted double digit numbers./PN
