Regine Arocha continued to be a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Season 95 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, steering Arellano University to its second win at the expense of Mapua University, 25-13, 25-20, 25-21, Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Arocha put up a game-high 19 points built on 17 attacks and an ace following an 18-point outing in Arellano’s season opener. The graduating spiker also had seven excellent receptions to her name in the straight-set conquest that lasted for an hour and 12 minutes.
The four-peat-seeking Lady Chiefs barely felt any resistance except for a brief juncture in the second frame. Their form proved the deadliest in the decisive third set where they erected an insurmountable 23-10 cushion, blurring any chance of a Lady Cardinals’ comeback.
“Ang performance ng team, kumpara noong first game, medyo mas maganda ngayon kasi kumbaga naumpisahan namin ng tama,” said Arellano head coach Obet Javier.
“‘Yun nga lang pagdating ng second set medyo nagrelax ulit ‘yung players ko. So lagi ko lang sinasabi sa mga bata na every game dapat ‘yung, kahit sa practice, i-treat niyo na pwedeng championship game or last na taon mo na sa paglalaro so dapat ibubuhos mo lahat ng effort mo doon sa laro,” he continued.
Carla Donato and Princess Bello each supplied seven markers with the former pulling a pair of kill blocks, as Mika Juanich contributed six points.
Reigning league MVP Necole Ebuen was still far from top shape. But she made her presence felt with six points laced with 12 excellent digs.
Arellano playmaker Sarah Verutiao fanned out 11 excellent sets, to go along with six points. Faye Flores made a pivotal impact on the defensive end with a 16-dig, 10-reception outing.
The Lady Chiefs flaunted their championship form, dominating Mapua on all cylinders. They outperformed the opposition, 47-24 in attacks, 5-3 in blocks and 5-1 in aces.
Mapua was led by Jonina Fernandez, who was the lone Lady Cardinal in double-digit territory with 10 points. Angeline Magundayao chimed in seven markers in a losing cause.
Arellano will have a week of layoff before facing Jose Rizal University on Thursday, January 23. Mapua will try to chalk a win up when it takes on Emilio Aguinaldo College on Monday, January 20. Both matches will be played at the same venue.
