DEFENDING champion Arellano University turned back upset-conscious Jose Rizal, 25-11, 22-25, 25-18, 25-16, to remain unscathed and on top in the women’s division of the 93rd NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Arena in San Juan City.
Regine Ann Arocha and Jovielyn Grace Prado powered their way to 20 and 17 points, respectively, while skipper Mary Ann Esquerra, Necole Ebuen and Andrea Marzan chipped in 12, 11 and 10 hits to help lift the Chiefs to their fourth straight victory and the solo lead.
“I’m happy that we won but I’m still concerned on some issues like our reception,” said AU coach Obet Javier in Filipino.
Javier said he hopes to extend their streak and eventually sweep the single-round elimination as they tackle Lyceum of the Philippines University next on Sunday.
“We’re targeting it (sweep) but we’d also like to take it one game at a time starting with LPU,” he said.
Premier Volleyball League veteran Shola Alvarez paced her team with 19 points but she couldn’t match the Lady Chiefs’ firepower as the Lady Bombers fell to their second defeat in as many wins.
AU’s men’s team likewise kept its unbeaten streak going as it nailed win No. 4 at the expense of JRU, 25-18, 21-25, 25-14, 25-22.
The Bombers fell to their fourth loss in row.