The defending NCAA Women’s Volleyball champions Arellano University Lady Chiefs would just not give up.
Down two sets, the Lady Chiefs turned back the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas in five thrilling sets, 22-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 15-5, Tuesday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Outside hitter Jovielyn Prado and middle attacker Andrea Marzan showed up and produced their expected numbers in this crucial tussle at 20 and 16 points, respectively.
Head coach Obet Javier was still optimistic that his players could pull it off after the 0-2 hole. “Siyempre, kailangan mong magtiwala sa players mo,” he said.
The long-time coach added, “Nung first two sets, ang pangit ng laro namin. Siguro sa game, lumabas lang ‘yung maturity ng players ko at ‘yung pusong champion.”
It was a nip-and-tuck affair throughout the day, but the deciding set was all Arellano, as setter Sarah Verutiao fired off vicious serves after another and virtually bag the win with a 10-1 lead.
Bianca Tripoli registered 20 markers to pace the Lady Altas.
At 6-0, the reigning queens will try to extend their longest winning run in the league to 19 when they face fellow unscathed San Beda College (5-0) on Friday. Perpetual (4-2) will take on Mapua University (0-5) on Tuesday, January 30.
The Scores:
AU 3 – Prado 20, Marzan 16, Arocha 14, Ebuen 7, Esguerra 4, Ramirez 1, Bello 1, Balanoba 0, Donato 0, Flores L, Buema L.
UPHSD 2 – Tripoli 20, Imbo 19, Clements 12, Verzosa 6, Llorente 5, Gual 3, Sangalang 3, Estanislao 0, Rosal 0, Umandal 0, Medalla L.
