Lady Chiefs ready to battle San Beda for NCAA crown

When Arellano University downed Jose Rizal to book its second straight finals appearance in the 93rd NCAA women’s volleyball tournament, coach Obet Javier and the Lady Chiefs went straight to their locker room without really showing much emotion. After all, AU’s work is just half done. “It was a nice feeling going to the finals for the second straight season and getting that chance to win another NCAA championship,” said Javier, who was coach when AU won its other crown three seasons back.

“But we really couldn’t celebrate because there is still a San Beda to beat and a championship to be won.”

AU’s lack of emotion was a stark contrast to the celebratory mood shown by San Beda, which downed Perpetual Help to secure its first ever trip to the finals where it will have a golden opportunity to snare its first women’s title.

It’s not AU not wanting to celebrate but to focus on what needs to be done next.

“The girls are really focused. They know we still have to beat San Beda in the finals and they can celebrate all they want after winning the championship,” said Javier.

The best-of-three championship series fires off Friday at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Javier said they need to set the tone of the game by playing defense.

In their one and only meeting in the elimination round on Jan. 26, AU did just that, overpowering San Beda with a combination of rock solid net and floor defense to hammer out a one-sided 25-17, 25-10, 25-17 win.

The Lady Chiefs held San Beda captain and MVP contender Cesca Racraquin to a forgettable six-point effort, her season low.

“That’s the key, defense,” said Javier.