By Waylon Galvez
Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan)
10 a.m. – San Beda vs Lyceum (Mens)
12 noon – San Beda vs Lyceum (Womens)
2 p.m. – St. Benilde vs Mapua (Womens)
3:30 p.m. – St. Benilde vs Mapua (Mens)
Defending three-time champion Arellano University warmed up for its all-important match with league-leading College of St. Benilde with a 25-15, 25-14, 25-20 demolition of Emilio Aguinaldo College in the NCAA Season 95 volleyball yesterday at The Arena in San Juan City.
Carla Amaina Donata scored 12 points and last season’s MVP Necole Ebuen contributed 11 points for the Lady Chiefs who improved to 7-1.
More than enhancing their bid for a twice-to-beat bonus in the semis, the win gave the Lady Chiefs the extra motivation when they face the Lady Blazers on Monday.
With a 7-0 mark, Benilde can advance outright to the finals if it beats the Mapua today and Arellano next week.
Sarah Princess Verutiao also shone for the Lady Chiefs with 18 excellent sets while Princess Bello had 12 digs.
Arellano’s star spiker Regine Ann Arocha was rested to preserve her strength for their much-anticipated match with the Lady Blazers.
“Pinahinga muna for our next game,” said Arellano coach Obet Javier. “Nabigyan din yung iba ng chance to play like si Donata, na nag-step up naman. So maganda yun for the team, sa players for their confidence.”
A setback to either Mapua or Arellano will result to a crossover semifinal playoffs with the top two teams earning twice-to-beat bonus in the semifinals.
In men’s action, Arellano defeated EAC, 22-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21, 15-13 to improve to 6-2 and gain semifinal spot.
The Chiefs, who got 23 points from Jesrael Liberato, join the Perpetual Help Altas (8-0) and the Generals (7-2) in the semis.
