MANILA, Philippines – Arellano secured the first men’s semifinal berth while six-time champion San Sebastian and San Beda tied for second in the women’s side of the NCAA volleyball tournament Friday at the Lyceum gym.
Arellano roared back in the final two sets to nip San Beda, 25-20, 16-25, 24-26, 25-18, 15-10, and clinch a Final Four slot after stretching its unbeaten run to six games.
Photo by Taj Chupungco
In the women’s division, two-time MVP Joy Benito fueled the attack as the Lady Stags hammered out a straight-set 25-20, 25-10, 25-22 victory over Jose Rizal University.
The Lionesses, though, had a tougher time before pulling out a 25-23, 24-26, 24-26, 25-19, 15-8 decision over the Lady Chiefs.
Janine Marciano, Cherry Quizon, Ces Molina and rookie Kim Dela Vega delivered the key hits for the Lionesses, who pulled away from a 4-4 deadlock in the final frame.
San Sebastian and San Beda improved their records to 4-2 behind unbeaten Perpetual Help, which clinched the first Final Four slot with a 6-0 card.
“It’s a morale-booster for us before the year ends,” said San Beda coach Ryan Sucaldito.