The NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament elimination round matches at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium found quick resolutions with the defending champions, Arellano University Lady Chiefs and the Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers breezing past their respective foes earlier today.
Facing a confident Emilio Aguinaldo College Lady Generals side, the AU Lady Chiefs spared no expense in sweeping the San Marcelino-based squad 25-11, 25-7, 25-20 in the day’s first match.
The ladies from Legarda strategically shut down EAC’s main gunners while exploiting their overwhelming height and power advantage at nearly every position. The Lady Chiefs’ offense generated a 49-20 gap in spikes while garnering an 8-3 block kills advantage.
AU had the match’s three best scorers with CJ Rosario leading the way with a game-high 18 points off 15 attacks and three block kills, winger Jovielyn Prado added 13 points, while the wiry Dana Henson provided 12 markers, all off attacks.
EAC team captain, Yvonne Reyes towed her squad with 10 points. After blistering in their win over LPU last Tuesday, open hitter Maria Pagdanganan was limited to just six points.
The JRU Lady Bombers then whittled down the spirits of the San Beda College Lady Red Lions, tallying a quick straight set win, 25-20, 25-23, 25-10.
SBC started the match with vigor, keeping pace with the Lady Bombers offensively. But, as the sets got into the trenches, JRU’s frenetic floor defense stifled the Bedans to the point of severe frustration. After surrendering a tight second frame, the Lady Red Lions had the bus parked, letting JRU take the match. The Rizalians finished the match with a mean 42-24 spikes gap.
JRU’s Shola May Alvarez scored a season-high 16 points off 15 attacks and an ace. Rosalie Pepito added 13 points while middle blocker Karen Montojo contributed 10 points which includes the match’s only three block kills.
Open hitter Nieza Viray led the Red Lions with 12 markers. No other Bedan scored over double digits.
Arellano remains atop the standings days before the hoiday break with a 6-1 record. EAC drops to sixth with a 3-4 slate, JRU evens their record at 3-3, while SBC remains at 8th with a 1-5 record.
