By Kristel Satumbaga
Slowly but surely, Arellano University Lady Chiefs are building a dynasty in the NCAA women’s volleyball.
Having won their third straight and fourth overall in five years, the Lady Chiefs are indeed the newest toast in the country’s longest collegiate league after a four-set win over the University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas on Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan City
And the Lady Chiefs attributed their third straight crowd to their determination and championship experience.
Facing a determined Perpetual squad, the Lady Chiefs refused to be intimidated by displaying their championship experience to extend their reign in the country’s longest collegiate league.
But the route to the Promised Land was not without troubles this time around.
“Andun na yung mga pagkakataon eh, pero siguro gusto talaga ng team ko na pinahihirapan. At least sa bandang huli, pumasa naman sila,” said coach Obet Javier.
The title win was Javier’s fourth in five seasons with the Lady Chiefs.
Arellano’s favorite tag, however, evaporated soon after losing Game 1, 21-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20.
But they recovered their form following a 23-25, 25-9, 25-18, 22-25, 15-12 Game 2 win.
Like in Game 2, the Lady Chiefs dropped the opening set of their rubber match but they fought back furiously to regain the initiative and the momentum behind the power plays of MVP Necole Ebuen and eventual Finals MVP Regine Arocha.
Arocha said the saw the opportunity early in the second set when the Lady Altas showed signs of disintegrating – no thanks to a poor communication.
“Sabi namin, binibigay na sa atin eh, ito na. Kunin na natin,” Arocha said [They’re giving it to us, so we must grab it.
