Facing last season’s runners-up, the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals rose from a two-set deficit to upset the Arellano University Chiefs, 24-26, 8-25, 25-20, 25-18, 21-19, to advance up the NCAA Season 94 Men’s Volleyball stepladder at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
EAC fell behind early due to a heavy hand with errors. Generals head coach Rod Palmero admitted that his team felt the pressure, especially with the Arellano crowd.
“Na-pressure din siguro talaga kasi mga bata pa ‘yung karamihan ng players,” said Palmero.
“Natagalan kami makakuha ng momentum. Sobrang saya lang namin kasi nakabawi kami noong dulo,” the veteran mentor added.
The Generals fought back furiously, taking early leads in the next three sets. With a 12-8 lead in the fifth frame, EAC collapsed one last time and allowed AU to come within a point of the win, 13-14.
However, Arellano fumbled crucial points every time they had advantage. AU’s 19-18 lead evaporated after back-to-back attack errors. Joshua Mina, one of EAC’s two seniors, closed the match with a quick hit off a transition.
Mina finished with 20 points, while Joshua Ramilo – the bright spot in EAC’s nine rookies – added a game-high 23.
Kim Tan topped the Chiefs with 17 markers while Christian Segovia managed 15.
The Generals move on to the semis, where they take on the College of Saint Benilde Blazers in a knockout match.
The Scores
EAC (3) – Ramilo 23, Mina 20, Daduya 10, Pitogo 10, Melad 7, Bautista 1, Diones 1, Julao 1, Magadan (L)
AU (2) – Tan 17, Segovia 15, Dela Paz 14, Liberato 12, Cabillan 8, Lapuz 3, Meneses 1, Villados 1, Manalansan 0, Arellano (L), Esguerra (L)
