Arellano escapes Benilde; San Beda pounds Mapua

Defending champions Arellano University Lady Chiefs staved off a strong challenge from a fellow contender, while the San Beda University Lady Red Spikers stayed perfect in the NCAA Season 94 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

The Lady Chiefs survived a five-set classic against the retooled College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers, 25-17, 20-25, 25-18, 18-25, 16-14.

The Lady Chiefs caught several breaks in the decider, benefiting from late Saint Benilde errors to come away with the win.

“Maganda rin na makaharap namin ang Benilde ng maaga, para ma-challenge kami ng maaga,” remarked Arellano coach Obet Javier

Last season’s Rookie of the Year Necole Ebuen topped the Lady Chiefs, who stayed perfect in two outings, with 22 points. Princess Bello added 18 markers.

Marites Pablo led the Lady Blazers with 14 points, while Klarisa Abriam managed 13.

In the earlier match, last season’s runners-up Lady Red Spikers emerged from an early slump to hurdle the Mapua University Lady Cardinals, 30-28, 25-17, 25-14.

Nieza Viray and Sattriani Espiritu stayed hot for San Beda, tallying 14 points apiece. Captain Cesca Racraquin added 13 markers.

“I think ‘yung start sa amin parang masyado kaming nagri-relax. Kasi alam namin na parang, ewan ko, parang mas angat kami sa kailang team kaya nagre-relax kami,” said Racraquin. “Pero parang naging awakening sa amin yung bakbakan na ‘yun.”

Angelica Magundayao managed nine points for Mapua, who have yet to win a match in two years.