MANILA – University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas moved closer to clinching the NCAA Season 94 women’s volleyball title after a 21-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20 win over Arellano University Lady Chiefs in Game 1 of the finals on Friday night at the San Juan Arena.
Cindy Imbo led the way with double-double 18 points, including 16 attacks, to go along with 16 excellent receptions, while Jhona Rosal added 12 markers, with 10 attacks, for the Lady Altas.
The Lady Altas, which reached the gold medal round after overhauling the twice-to-beat incentive of the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers, can clinch their first title since 2013 in Game Two on Feb. 8.
After losing the opening set, the Lady Altas came back strong in the second frame as it surged to a 17-12 lead and never looked back. The Lady Altas took advantage of Lady Chiefs’ reception woes with consecutive aces to easily take the third set.
The offensive struggles of the Lady Chiefs continued in the fourth set as the Lady Altas jumped to a 17-11 lead on conversions from Imbo. Attacks from Rosal allowed the Perpetual Help to wrap up the match.
“Lahat ng pagod namin sobrang mahalaga po sa bawat isa amin. Dream po talaga namin ito. So lahat tinatrabaho natin,” said Lady Altas’ graduating team captain Imbo.
Regine Arocha finished with 17 points off 12 spikes, three blocks and a pair of aces, while Necole Ebuen struggled with just seven markers for the defending champions Lady Chiefs./PN
