Arellano, NU set sights on 3rd victories

MANILA, Philippines — A streaking Arellano U squad guns for the first quarterfinal berth when it battles struggling St. Louis University Tuesday in the Shakey’s V-League at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Unbeaten in their first three outings, the Lady Chiefs are fancied in the 2 p.m. clash with the Lady Navigators, who dropped their first two matches in the tournament.

National U shoots for a third straight victory in Group B against San Sebastian at 4 p.m.

With towering sisters Jaja and Dindin Santiago leading the way, the Lady Bulldogs can assure themselves of at least a playoff for a berth in the next round with a victory.

But the Lady Stags are determined to also close in on a quarterfinal spot even as lead hitter Gretchel Soltones tries to recover from an ankle injury.

Arellano is riding high on victories over Ateneo and St. Benilde.

The shock 21-25, 25-16, 17-25, 25-20, 15-13 win over the Lady Eagles counts as the biggest upset of the season so far.

“We need to continue to play defense especially our blocking and reception for us to keep the streak going,” said Arellano U coach Obet Javier, who will lean on Danna Henson, Cristine Rosario and Jovielyn Prado.

“Dindin and Jaja are strong players but this is a team game. We need everyone to play,” said NU mentor Ariel Dela Cruz.