By Waylon Galvez
Games Monday
(The Arena, San Juan)
8:30 a.m. – Arellano vs San Beda (Junior’s)
10 a.m. – Arellano vs San Beda (Men’s)
12 noon – Arellano vs San Beda (Women’s)
2 p.m. – JRU vs Perpetual Help (Women’s)
3:30 p.m. – JRU vs Perpetual Help (Men’s)
5 p.m. – JRU vs Perpetual Help (Junior’s)
Defending champion Arellano University stretched its unbeaten streak to four games as it downed San Sebastian, 25-17, 25-18, 25-27, 25-13, in the NCAA volleyball tournament Saturday at The Arena in San Juan City.
After winning their first three games in straight sets, the Lady Chiefs got into trouble when they lost the third frame after the SSC belles rallied mightily from a 22-17 deficit.
But the Lady Chiefs returned with eyes red in the fourth and peppered the SSC belles with heavy spikes – not mention some drop shots to prevail.
The win put Arellano back on top with idle College of St. Benilde.
Arellano coach Obet Javier blamed the team’s inconsistency for dropping the third set, saying: “Actually, nag-relax ang mga player. Kaya nakakatakot. Hindi dapat ganoon ang isang team. Consistent kami dapat, at huwag mag-relax.”
Regine Arocha, a graduating player, led the Lady Chiefs with 24 points, 11 digs and nine receptions, while reigning MVP Necole Ebuen contributed 10 points and 11 digs – her best game so far this season.
Jamille Carreon had 13 points, while Reyann Cañete added 12 markers for the Lady Stags, who are still winless in four matches.
Meanwhile, Christian dela Paz had 29 points and six digs to lead Arellano in a tough 25-23, 16-25, 25-27, 25-19, 16-14 win over San Sebastian to tie men’s titleholder Perpetual Help for the lead at 4-0.
On the other hand, Angelo Lagando came through with 13 points as the Braves needed only 62 minutes to repulse the Staglets, 25-19, 25-13, 25-15 to join the Junior Altas on top with their fourth straight victory in as many games.
