Arellano University blew hot and cold and hot again in the fifth and final set as it edged San Sebastian College, 25-17, 26-28, 22-25, 25-23, 15-12, on Sunday to stay in Final Four contention in NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
Pauline de Guzman led the way with 21 points while Marianne Padillon and skipper Dodee Batindaan chipped in 13 and 12 hits, respectively, to help seal the Lady Chiefs their first streak—a back to back—of the season and third overall in five outings.
But the result drew mixed emotions from AU coach Obet Javier.
“Puwede ko sabihing masaya at malungkot,” said Javier. “Masaya kasi nanalo kami. Pero kung titignan namin sa second set, lamang kami almost seven points tapos dumating time nagdikitan, hindi nila nahandle ganu’ng klase pressure.”
It also drew a strong performance from Heart Villaflores, who came through in the final two sets by scattering all his eight points and eventually saving the day.
Javier said they’re now looking forward to their next two games versus College of St. Benilde Wednesday and University of Perpetual Help Sunday.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy pa, dami pa namin dapat daanan,” said Javier.
San Sebastian, which was paced by Kat Santos’ 21 points, slumbered to a fifth straight defeat.
Games Tuesda (Filoil EcoOil Arena)
7:30 a.m.- San Beda vs UPHSD (men)
10 a.m.- San Beda vs UPHSD (woen)
2 p.m.- Mapua vs JRU (women)
5 p.m.- Mapua vs JRU (men)