After suffering their first loss of the season, the Arellano University Lady Chiefs quickly got back on their feet and claimed a seat in the NCAA Season 94 Women’s Volleyball Finals after sweeping the San Beda University Lady Red Spikers, 25-18, 25-21, 25-23, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Arellano had their five-set loss to San Beda fresh on their minds in their rematch. Although the Lady Chiefs found themselves behind early in each set, the defending champions overwhelmed their foes in the late game.
The Lady Chiefs surrendered a season-low 19 errors, while ramping up their offense with a 41-34 advantage in attacks and 11-4 in blocks.
Regine Arocha, who managed just 10 points in their five-set loss, powered 17 points in their quick semis match. Carla Donato, Alyana San Gregorio, and Necole Ebuen each provided 11 markers.
“‘Yung last game namin sa San Beda, talagang nagulat din kami, kumbaga. So after ng game namin, nagkaroon kami talaga ng adjustment,” pointed out Arellano head coach Obet Javier.
“Pero kumbaga, talagang pinagpaguran namin ‘yung practice eh. Almost one week ang preparation namin para makabawi,” he added.
Nieza Viray topped the Lady Red Spikers with 17 points, while Cesca Racraquin added 11. After making the Finals last year, the Lady Red Spikers crash into another Final Four exit.
The Lady Chiefs enter the Finals for the third straight year, while gunning for as many consecutive titles. They face the winner of the Saint Benilde-Perpetual tiff.
The Scores
AU (3) – Arocha 17, Donato 11, Ebuen 11, San Gregorio 11, Juanich 4, Ramirez 4, Daisog 0, Verutiao 0, Buemia (L), Flores (L)
SBU (0) – Viray N. 17, Racraquin A. 11, Espiritu 6, Viray J. 6, Paras 3, Manuel 0, Matias 0, Tannagan 0, Racraquin D. (L)
