NCAA volleyball: Arellano, Mapua bolster Final Four hopes

FILE–Arellano Lady Chiefs in the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament. –NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Arellano’s sense of urgency showed up big on Friday when it escaped Emilio Aguinaldo College, 24-26, 25-17, 25-20, 25-20, in the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament at San Juan Arena.

The Lady Chiefs woke up at just the right time to bolster their Final Four hopes alive at the expense of lowly Lady Generals, who remained winless after eight games.

“We can’t lose anymore,” said Pauline De Guzman, who showed up big for Arellano with 17 points.

READ: NCAA volleyball: Letran, San Sebastian end streaks

Helping De Guzman on offense were Marianne Padillon and Harem Ceballos with 15 and 11 points, respectively, to power Arellano to a 5-3 record.

On the other side, the power tandem of Catherine Almazan and Alessanda Razonable combined for 38 points built from 19 to their names but to no avail as EAC crashed to a 0-8 card.

Meanwhile, Mapua squeaked past Lyceum with a tight five-set win, 21-25, 25-19, 26-28, 25-16, 15-13.

READ: NCAA volleyball: Mapua, Perpetual gain share of fourth

The Lady Cardinals’ balanced offense spelled the end for the Lady Pirates as they improved their playoff chances with a 5-3 record.

Four players scored in double digits for Mapua with the quartet of Roxie Dela Cruz (20), Raissa Ricablanca (18), Alyana Ong (16) and Nadine Berces (13) coming alive when it mattered the most.

Lyceum stayed at second seed despite absoring only its second loss of the season with a 6-2 card. Johna Dolorito’s 25-point outburst was all for naught as well as Joan Doguna and Janeth Tulang’s identical 18-point outings.