ARELLANO University displayed championship form as it came back from the dead to edge Perpetual Help, 22-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 15-5, yesterday and close in on a Final Four spot in the women’s division of the 93rd NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Arena in San Juan City.
Jovielyn Prado fired 20 points to make up for a miserable three-point performance in their last game, while Andrea Marzan and Regine Anne Arocha chipped in 16 and 14 points, respectively, to help the Lady Chiefs nail their sixth straight win and at least a playoff for a Final Four slot.
AU has now racked up 18 straight triumphs, including 12 last year when they ended up sweeping San Sebastian College in last year’s finale.
And now the Lady Chiefs are going for a sweep with only three teams–San Beda (5-0), St. Benilde (3-2) and San Sebastian (3-2)—left standing in their way.
“Of course, we want that because it will give us the advantage. But we need to work hard for it because we’re playing three tough teams,” said AU coach Obet Javier in Filipino.
Perpetual Help made its presence early, dominating AU in the first two sets to seize a commanding two-sets-to-nothing lead and appeared headed to stealing the win.
The Lady Chiefs though battled their way back with Prado coming through with key hits to pull off the come-from-behind win.
The Lady Altas, who were led by skipper Bianca Tripoli’s 20 points and Cindy Imbo’s 19, skidded to 4-2 (win-loss).
Earlier, Joyce Sta. Rita came through with a career-high 28-point effort as San Sebastian overcame Mapua, 25-20, 25-7, 29-31, 25-14, to jump back to the magic four with a 3-2 card.
Nikka Marielle Dalisay fired 17, while Daurene Santos and Dangie Encarnacion added in 11 and 10 hits, respectively.
Mapua fell to 0-5.