FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Arellano proved to be the steadier team under pressure as it outlasted defending champion Perpetual Help, 25-21, 22-25, 25-18, 8-25, 15-12, in the NCAA Season 89 women’s volleyball tournament Wednesday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Chiefs recovered from a lethargic fourth set and mustered enough strength to withstand the Lady Altas’ power-hitting duo of Norrie Diaz and Honey Royse Tubino for their third win against one loss.
Cristine Rosario had 14 points while Elain Sagun chipped in 12 points for Arellano, which climbed to solo second behind San Sebastian, College of St. Benilde and San Beda, who are in a three-way logjam in first place with similar 3-0 slates.
Rosario and Sagun, who provided the game-clinching point, did most of their damage defensively as both combined for eight of their team’s 13 blocks while Perpetual Help had just seven blocks as a team.
The Lady Altas, who had 41 errors, slipped to 2-2 after starting the season at 2-0.
Diaz, the reigning MVP, unleashed 24 points while Tubino fired 22 markers. Diaz also had six service aces.