Lady Altas zero in on NCAA plum

MANILA, Philippines –University of Perpetual Help overcame a tough challenge from Arellano University, 27-29, 25-13, 25-16, 21-25, 15-9, Friday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan to move within a win of a third straight NCAA women’s volleyball crown.

Honey Tubino racked up 27 points as the Lady Altas took advantage of the Lady Chiefs’ end-game miscues in the grueling five-setter to claim Game 1 of the best-of-three series.

The Lady Altas looked poised to wrap it up after rebounding from a first-set setback with a  dominant outing in the second and third frames, 25-13, 25-16, behind Tubino, Jamela Suyat and reigning Most Valuable Player Norie Diaz.

But the Lady Chiefs, who reached the finals for the first time since joining the league in 2009, rallied behind Cristine Rosario and Danna Henson to drag the match to a fifth set. Jasmine W. Payo

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