EAC downs San Beda to stay in NCAA volley F4 hunt

MANILA, Philippines — Emilio Aguinaldo College pounced on a  short-handed San Beda side, 25-18, 25-7, 24-26, 25-19, to stay in the hunt for a Final Four spot Sunday in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

Charmille Belleza fired 23 hits while Ariane Angustia added 18 points for the Lady Generals. Yvanne Reyes and Marivic Aguares also came up big for EAC, scoring 13 and 12 hits, respectively.

Janine Marciano had 26 hits but her efforts were not enough for the Lady Red Spikers, who are now on the brink of another early exit.

San Beda sorely missed the services of middle hitter Ces Molina and setter Robey Remigio due to injuries.

The Lady Generals and the Lady Spikers are knotted with a 5-3 card as they lead San Sebastian, which faces also-ran Jose Rizal University on Monday, by just half a game.

Arellano University and College of Saint Benilde are tied for the league’s best record, 6-1, and they dispute the first semifinals berth on Monday.

In the second match, Letran finally entered the win column with a 25-16, 25-18, 24-26, 25-11 decision of Mapua.

Angelica Macabalitao had 15 hits for the Lady Knights, who are tied with the Lady Cardinals in last place.