Arellano Lady Chiefs go for title-clincher today
HOLDING a one-game lead, the defending National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women’s volleyball champions Arellano Lady Chiefs go for the clincher today in Game Two of their best-of-three finals with the San Beda Lady Red Spikers.
Still to be played at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City, the Lady Chiefs try to build on their 25-15, 25-16, 15-25, 22-25 and 15-6 victory in the series opener to be crowned NCAA champions anew.
Arellano was seemingly on its way to an easy victory in Game One before San Beda, making its first appearance in the finals, made a game out of it, winning sets three and four to force a deciding fifth set.
It would regain its footing in the fifth set, however, racking up nine straight points to break a 6- all count en route to winning the opener and moving one win away from a repeat.
Regine Arocha led the Arellano attack with 14 points, 10 off spikes, while Jovelyn Prado had 13 points.
Andrea Marzan finished with 11 and Necole Ebuen and Mary Anne Esguerra adding 10 points apiece for the Lady Chiefs.
Cesca Racraquin, meanwhile, topscored for San Beda with 21 points followed by Maria Nieza Viray with 14 markers
Trisha Paras also was in doubledigits with 11 for the Lady Red Spikers, who are now out to win today’s game and extend what has been a groundbreaking season for them.
“San Beda made a game out of it but our players showed they have the heart of a champion, which as a coach I really am looking for. Hopefully we get to sustain it in the next game,” said Arellano coach Obet Javier after their Game One victory.
Game Two of the finals between Arellano and San Beda is set for 4 p.m. It will be broadcast live over ABS-CBN S+A.