Arellano withstands San Beda, moves one win away from title

Arellano University is three sets away from its second straight title after overcoming San Beda, 25-15, 25-16, 15-25, 22-25, 15-6, in the opener of the NCAA Season 93 women’s volleyball Finals Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Lady Chiefs are eying their third title one in four years against a Lady Red Spikers side who are on their first title series in history.

After trading shots early in the fifth set and getting into a 6-6 stalemate, the defending champions showed their pedigree and lambasted the challengers with a 9-0 run.

Setter Sarah Verutiao faked a set that stopped the Lady Red Spikers on their tracks and got the ball over for Arellano’s match-winner.

Necole Ebuen had a couple of aces during Arellano’s game-setting run that pushed the Lady Chiefs’ lead to 12-6.

Nieza Viray and Daryl Raqraquin failed to communicate on a set piece and the two, sent Arellano to the 14-6 match point.

And although Arellano showed its poise and composure in the final set, the same couldn’t be said for the third and fourth periods when the Lady Chiefs discombobulated under San Beda’s attack.

“From what I saw, the players relaxed,” said Arellano head coach Obet Javier in Filipino. “Early on in the third set, I could already see that we weren’t playing well.”

“Of course they still showed in the fifth set that they really want to win, and that’s what I want from them, which is the attitude that they always want to win.”

Regine Arocha led Arellano’s attack with 14 points while Jovielyn Prado wasn’t far behind with 13 points.

Andrea Marzan added 11 points to the Lady Chiefs’ offense while Mary Ann Esguerra and Ebuen added 10 points apiece.

Cesca Raqraquin led San Beda with 21 points while Viray and Trisha Paras had 14 and 11 points, respectively.