MANILA — Arellano University survived a fierce late rally from Emilio Aguinaldo College to secure a 25-20, 25-20, 19-25, 25-23 victory on Wednesday and head into the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball playoff phase with momentum at the San Andres Sports Complex.
After taking a two-set lead, the Lady Chiefs had to withstand a determined fightback from the Lady Generals in the fourth set before regaining control in the closing stretch to seal the win and improve their Group B record to 6-7.
EAC, meanwhile, completed the preliminary round still searching for its first victory, finishing with a 0-13 slate.
Moming Padillon delivered in crucial moments for the Lady Chiefs and finished with 12 points, while Cassey Florida chipped in 13 markers and 14 digs. Sam Tiratira and Crisanta Servidad also provided key support with 10 points apiece for Arellano.
The Lady Chiefs appeared headed for a comfortable four-set victory after building a six-point cushion in the fourth set.
Padillon initially gave Arellano breathing room with a down-the-line attack that pushed the Lady Chiefs ahead, 22-16.
EAC, however, refused to go quietly and unleashed a 6-1 run to knot the count at 23-all and threaten to extend the match.
Arellano steadied itself in the most crucial stretch as Servidad delivered a left-wing hit to regain the lead before Tiratira denied Generals’ hitter Ashley Toriado with a block to clinch the victory.
Despite the loss, Angel Perez turned in a strong performance for EAC with 18 points and 18 receptions, while Alex Razonable added 17 markers. Cara Dayanan also finished with 12 points for the Lady Generals.
Meanwhile, defending champions College of St. Benilde wrapped up the elimination round with a dominant 25-19, 25-17, 25-10 sweep of the Mapua University Lady Cardinals.The Lady Blazers finished solo second in Group A with a 10-3 win-loss record, while the Lady Cardinals ended the eliminations in third place with a 5-8 mark, tied with the San Sebastian College Lady Stags./PN
