Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Arellano University imposed its edge in experience to crush San Beda, 25-22, 25-21, 25-18, Wednesday and remain unbeaten in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Jovelyn Prado and Regine Arocha led the Lady Chiefs in scoring their second straight victory and at the same time providing a glimpse of what to expect from the reigning NCAA women’s champions.
San Sebastian similarly downed Jose Rizal University in straight sets, 25-23, 25-22, 25-21, in the second game to barge into the win column.
Prado fired 16 points, while Arocha added 15 for Arellano, bringing to fore the skills and smarts they have learned from playing in the previous PVL Open Conference.
“In the Open Conference we faced better players which allowed us to level up our game,” said Prado in Filipino.
That level was in full display as Arellano ran plays like a sure-footed veteran squad against the Lady Red Spikers, whose bevy of power hitters just could not get their game going.
Issa Viray and Chesca Racraquin tried to hammer their way against the formidable defense of Arellano, scoring 12 and 9 points, respectively.
The Lady Chiefs, who downed the St. Benilde Lady Blazers in the opener (25-20, 25-22, 25-17), were never in trouble in the match as coach Obet Javier’s squad was on-point throughout.
San Beda took a 16-13 lead in the second set but Mary Anne Esguerra and Necole Ebuen triggered a 5-1 binge to put things in order.
“They tried to load up on their serves, that’s why they managed to take the lead,” said Prado, the team captain. “But that’s where we held on to our receives even better.”
San Beda, which bested Technological Institute of the Philippines (25-13, 25-18, 25-27, 25-13) in its opener, fell to 1-1.