PVL: Arellano secures semis spot, drops UP in thriller

Arellano’s Andrea Marzan scores on a hit against UP’s Marian Buitre during their duel for the second semifinal slot in Group B of the PVL Collegiate Conference.

Arellano U clinched a semifinals spot in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference after surviving University of the Philippines in five sets, 22-25, 25-10, 25-19, 32-34, 15-3, Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Lady Chiefs recovered from a grueling fourth set loss and imposed their will on the Lady Maroons, who faltered in the final set after losing veteran Justine Dorog to a knee injury in the penultimate set.

Arellano immediately went to work in the fifth set scoring the first five points en route to the win.

“Let’s just say fatigue got the better of UP in the fifth set and we also prepared well against UP,” said Arellano head coach Obet Javier.

“And in the longest time that we’ve participated in this tournament, this is the first time we got to the semifinals so this is a very big achievement for us.”

Jovielyn Prado led the Lady Chiefs with 26 points while Regine Arocha played second-in-command with 25 points.

Diana Carlos had a game-high 29 points to lead UP while Isa Molde added 20.

Adamson owns the other semis ticket from Group B and the Lady Falcons will stake their 4-0 card against San Beda on Monday.