MANILA — Emilio Aguinaldo College pulled off a stunning upset over twice-to-beat University of Perpetual Help to force a sudden-death Game 2 in the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball quarterfinals after a 25-18, 19-25, 27-25, 25-22 victory on Sunday at the San Andres Gym.
The Lady Generals, who finished the elimination round without a single win, kept their remarkable postseason run alive and moved within one victory of a Final Four berth after dethroning the heavily favored Lady Altas in Game 1 of their quarterfinal series.
Angel Perez led EAC’s shock triumph with a dominant 24-point performance built on 22 attacks, along with one service ace and one block to earn Player of the Game honors.
Ashley Toriado also delivered a strong outing with 16 points, while Alex Razonable chipped in 14 markers for the Lady Generals, who earlier advanced to the quarterfinals after eliminating the Lyceum Lady Pirates in the play-in round.
University of Perpetual Help, which entered the series with a twice-to-beat advantage, leaned on Jemalyn Menor, who finished with 22 points. Cy Almeniana added 15 markers in what became only the Lady Altas’ third defeat of the season.
With the victory, EAC forced a do-or-die Game 2 scheduled on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Strike Gymnasium in Bacoor, Cavite, where the Lady Generals will attempt to complete the upset and book a semifinal berth.
Meanwhile, Colegio de San Juan de Letran advanced to the semifinals after defeating San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 28-26, 12-25, 25-14, 25-22.
Vanessa Sarie powered the Lady Knights with 22 points, including 20 attacks, while adding 11 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions to secure Player of the Game honors./PN
