The Arellano University (AU) Lady Chiefs won their first match of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference quarterfinals, dousing the De La Salle University – Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) Lady Patriots in straight sets 25-20, 25-17, 25-15 at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
After carrying over a 2-1 record from the first round, the Lady Chiefs had lost their first two matches of the Top Eight (against UST, then Ateneo) before today’s match. Needing a win to keep their hopes of a run into the next round alive, Arellano imposed their will on a determined DLSU-D side.
In the opening set, the Caviteñas kept the set close as a Desiree Dadang kill put them within a point of the Lady Chiefs, 18-19. Menchie Tubiera then sparked a decisive AU rally that vaulted them ahead 23-18 and ultimately gave them the set. DLSU-D, again, was not far behind in the second frame. With DLSU’s Cherry Nunag and Maribeth Lara putting in work, Arellano only led 18-17. Tubiera, however, had another counter, scoring off a kill then serving up three consecutive aces, pulling her team to a 23-17 lead. Shirley Salamagos fired a quick attack following a Mina Aganon open hit, giving Arellano a 2-0 sets lead.
Taking advantage of a deflated DLSU third set effort, AU cruised to the sweep even as they played their bench players. Tubiera led all scorers with 13 markers off eight kills, two blocks, and three aces. Salamagos and Danna Henson each contributed eight points while team captain CJ Rosario dropped seven points. AU’s offense fed off Dasma’s poor service reception throughout the match, allowing them to out-perform the Lady Patriots in all offensive skills.
After the match, AU head coach Robert Javier admitted that he was delighted with his team’s performance in the match but says that they need to iron some things out so they can perform better against other contenders. “Siguro may mga bagay pa kami na kailangan pag-usapan kasi hindi pa talaga yan ‘yung pinakamalakas na laro ng team ko. Hopefully maayos na namin before our next match,” he said speaking of his team’s chemistry.
No Lady Patriot broke double-digits with Cherry Nunag and Maribeth Lara each only managing eight points. DLSU drops to a 1-5 record and will have their final match of the season on September 6, Sunday against the UP Maroons.
Now with a 3-3 record, AU needs to win their match against the CSB Lady Blazers also on September 6. Should UST or FEU fall to 4-3 after the Top Eight, AU can creep into the Final Four.
The Scores
AU (3) – Tubiera 13, Henson 8, Salamagos 8, Rosario 7, Mabbayad 4, Aganon 3, Legacion 2, Prado 2, Calixto 1, Sagun 1, Galang (L)
DLSU-D (0) – Lara 8, Nunag 8, Dadang 4, Sy 3, Delfin 2, Navidad 2, Yongco 2, Galicia 0, Tiangco 0, Bartolazo (L), Amutan (L)
