Cathrine Almazan was a woman on a mission, lifting Emilio Aguinaldo College to its first win in the NCAA Season 95 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, 21-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-18, 15-8, over San Sebastian College Recolletos, Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The win sends the Lady Generals to a 1-6 record to tie their first victim this season at the same record.
The outside hitter unleashed a splendid two-way game, finishing with 26 attacks, two blocks, and two aces for a season-best 30 points. Almazan also was a huge anchor on defense with 12 digs and four excellent receptions.
“Kagabi po, nagpahinga kami ng maaga. Pinursige po talaga namin na manalo,” the top scorer shared. “Hindi po kami pumayag na matapos ‘yung season na kahit isa o dalawa, may panalo din po kami. Tsaka si coach, ayaw niya rin ng matatalo. Inisip namin na kaya namin, matatalo namin.”
The Lady Generals dealt with inefficient service reception to come up with a 54-45 edge on attacks, all thanks to the smart off-system plays and hits.
Libero Sofia Dote more than made up in defense with 15 digs, allowing EAC to finish in transition. Krizzia Reyes and Dhariane Gallardez also added 15 and 14 markers, respectively.
San Sebastian even erected a 2 sets-1 advantage in the match, with Jamille Carreon taking the lead and libero Jewelle Bermillo denying the Lady Generals. Unfortunately, though, their 40 errors came at the most crucial stretches of the contest.
Carreon ended with 19 points on 14 attacks, four service aces, and a block. Meanwhile, Bermillo produced 19 digs and 10 excellent receptions.
The Lady Generals will try to build on this win when they take on semifinals contender University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Monday, February 10. On the other hand, the Lady Stags will battle Lyceum of the Philippines University (3-4) on the following day, Tuesday.
