Defending NCAA champions Arellano University Lady Chiefs maintained their spotless record in the Women’s Collegiate Conference with a sweep of the San Beda College Lady Red Spikers, 25-22, 25-21, 25-18, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
According to head coach Obet Javier, the Lady Chiefs came in with boundless motivation after they had sustained a loss to San Beda in another preseason tournament.
“Napaghandaan lang talga namin ‘yung game sa Beda ngayon kasi nung nakaraan na naglaro kami sa Founder’s Cup, kami ‘yung na-straight set nila,” Javier emphasized.
The Lady Chiefs exacted their revenge with precision serving and defense. San Beda was a measly 30 percent on reception for the entire match, allowing five aces and fueling Arellano’s 40 percent attacking clip.
“Ang sakit kasi ng Arellano talaga ever since, kapag nakakuha kami ng dalawang sets, ‘yung third set talagang hirap na hirap kaming makauna talaga. Laging ito yung crucial step dapat maungusan namin ‘to,” added the two-time NCAA champion mentor.
Budding open hitter Regine Arocha provided 16 points, while captain Jovielyn Prado managed 13 markers.
Nieza Viray towed the Lady Red Spikers with 13 markers, while NCAA Rookie of the Year Cesca Racraquin picked up nine markers.
The Lady Chiefs will try to keep their streak going when they face UAAP squad Adamson University Lady Falcons (1-0) on Saturday. On the other hand, the Lady Red Spikers (1-1) face the CSB Lady Blazers (0-1) next Wednesday in a rematch of the NCAA Season 93 stepladder Final Four.
The Scores
AU (3) – Arocha 16, Prado 13, Esguerra 10, Ebuen 9, Marzan 4, Ramirez 3, Balanoba 0, Verutiao 0, Buemia (L), Flores (L)
SBC (0) – Viray N. 13, Racraquin C. 9, Viray J. 7, Espiritu 5, Paras 4, Cuevas 3, Baluarte 1, Amador 0, Manuel 0, Buno (L)
