Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan City)
9:30 a.m. – CSB vs JRU (Men’s)
11 a.m. – CSB vs JRU (Women’s)
12:30 p.m. – Lyceum vs San Beda (Women’s)
2 p.m. – Lyceum vs San Beda (Men’s)
3:30 p.m. – Lyceum vs San Beda (Juniors)
Arellano University kept its unbeaten record intact but not after outlasting University of Perpetual Help, 22-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 15-5, in a tense duel to secure at least a playoff for a semifinal slot in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Facing the prospect of absorbing their first defeat after dropping the first two sets, the defending champion Lady Chiefs worked their way up behind the heroics of Jovielyn Prado to notch their sixth straight win in as many outings.
Arellano highlighted its big comeback by racing to a 9-1 advantage in the deciding fifth set which it held on to extend its winning streak.
A non-factor in the previous game, Prado rediscovered her solid form and scattered 20 points built on 16 hits and four blocks as Arellano posted its 18th straight win since last season.
Andrea Marzan fired 13 kills and made three blocks to finish with 16 points for the Lady Chiefs even as Regine Arocha posted 14 points including four service aces.
Perpetual fell to its second loss against four triumphs but still stayed at third place despite the 52-point effort of Aurora Tripoli, Cindy Imbo and Lourdes Clemente.
Meanwhile, undermanned San Sebastian bounced back from a tight third-set loss and turned back resilient Mapua, 25-20, 25-7, 29-31, 25-14.
Joyce Sta. Rita sizzled with 28 points built on 22 kills and four blocks for the Lady Stags, who hiked their win-loss tally to 3-2 at joint fourth.