Coming off a heartbreaking elimination from the semifinals, the Arellano University Lady Chiefs came within a game of salvaging the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference bronze, whipping the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-23, 26-24, 25-14, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Chiefs nearly forced a Game Three in the semis against the NU Lady Bulldogs, but came up short in the fifth set of Game Two when they had matchpoint at 14-10.
According to head coach Obet Javier, Arellano had brought home a lot of tough lessons from that match that helped them push past Adamson.
“Naging malaking aral sa amin ‘yun na hindi talaga kami pwedeng mag-relax at mamigay ng puntos sa kalaban,” said Javier.
“Sa paghahanda namin sa Adamson, hindi namin inisip na pang-bronze lang ‘to. Sabi ko sa kanila, malaking bagay para sa amin kung matatapos naman ang liga na panalo kami,” he added, as Arellano set up to defend their NCAA title on November.
Graduating captain Jovielyn Prado towed the Lady Chiefs with 18 points, while last NCAA season’s breakout star Regine Arocha added 15.
The Lady Chiefs had to battle back from a five-point deficit, 7-12, in the second set to force a deuce and eventually go up two sets. By the third frame, Arellano had the match in the bag, holding a 20-10 lead.
Arellano took advantage of poot Adamson first touches, amassing seven aces and producing 45 attacks off mostly free balls.
Middle blocker Joy Dacoron took charge for the Lady Falcons with nine points, while Chiara Permentilla and Eli Soyud added seven apiece in limited playing time
The Legarda-based program can seal third place with a win on Saturday.
The Scores
AU (3) – Prado 18, Arocha 15, Ebuen 10, Esguerra 9, Marzan 5, Ramirez 1, Balanoba 0, Bello 0, Verutiao 0, Flores (L)
AdU (0) – Dacoron 9, Permentilla 7, Soyud 7, Flora 6, Perez 5, Pinar 5, Roque 4, Emnas 2, Igao 0, Uy 0, Ponce (L)
