V-League: Arellano beats pesky UP

NCAA champion Arellano University needed four grueling sets to beat University of the Philippines, 25-23, 27-29, 25-23, 25-22, in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Collegiate Conference on Saturday at the Arena in San Juan City.

Menchie Tubiera led all scorers with 21 points while Danna Henson added 18 points for the Lady Chiefs, who joined National University and Far Eastern University in a three-way tie in first place in Group A with a 4-1 record.

“UP is a really good team. We prepared hard for this game and we really studied their previous games,” said Arellano coach Obet Javier in Filipino.

“I like how my team sees an opportunity to win the set and it grabs the moment,” he said.

After dropping a thrilling second set, Arellano looked disjointed for the good part of the third set where it fell behind by four, 16-12.

Javier must have been pleased with his team’s resiliency after the Lady Chiefs came back to their senses in time to make a rally and steal the third set.

The Lady Maroons, who are making noise despite fielding in a rookie-laden squad as part of its buildup for the UAAP, put up a gallant stand behind newcomers Justine Dorog and Maria Molde.

The two rookies combined for 37 points with Dorog scoring a team-high 19. Fellow rookie and starter Diana Carlos had 13 points.

UP, which is also assured of a quarterfinals spot, ended its elimination round campaign with a 2-3 mark.