Lady Chiefs sink Pirates, extend run to 5

Arellano U overpowered Lyceum of the Phl U, 25-16, 2517, 25-11, to remain unscathed while Perpetual Help edged Jose Rizal, 25-21, 22-25, 25-14, 25-21, to stay right behind in the women’s division of the 93rd NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan yesterday.

Necole Ebuen fired a matchbest 11 points while skipper Mary Ann Esguerra, Regine Anne Arocha and Andrea Marzan added 10 markers apiece for the Lady Chiefs, who notched their fifth straight win.

Their combined efforts more than made up for Jovielyn Prado’s struggle as the Premier Volleyball League standout groped for a season-worst three points.

AU coach Obet Javier, however, believes his prized ward will recover for their next game.

“It was one of the rare times she struggled. I expect her to bounce back because she’s one of the leaders of this team,” said Javier of Prado.

Meanwhile, Phl Superliga veteran Lourdes Clemente led the Lady Altas with 19 hits, including 14 on kills, and two on blocks while Cindy Imbo chipped in 18 points as Perpetual firmed up its hold of third with a 4-1 (win-loss) slate behind AU and San Beda (4-0).

After the game, Perpetual Help coach Macky Carino rued his wards’ struggle on the service box.

“We committed a lot of errors because of our bad service, we have to correct that,” said Carino, whose team finished with a woeful 35 errors.

The Las Piñas-based school also held JRU top hitter Shola Alvarez to just 15 hits after the latter normed a league-best 22.

Rookie Dolly Grace Versoza had 21 points for JRU, which fell to its third defeat against two triumphs.

Earlier, Perpetual Help waylaid Jose Rizal, 25-17, 25-16, 25-20, to seize the solo lead in the men’s side. their match Sunday.