NCAA: Lady Chiefs secure semis berth; Lady Stags improve to 6-2

MANILA, Philippines — Arellano moved in solo first place following a 28-26, 22-25, 26-24, 25-19, 15-10 squeaker over College of St. Benilde in the NCAA Season 89 women’s volleyball tournament Monday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Menchie Tubiera poured in 21 hits while Cristine Rosario had 19 points, highlighted by the match-clinching block, for the Lady Chiefs, who chalked up their seventh consecutive win after losing their opening game.

“We had to go through a tough game. St. Benilde is not just another team, they’re one of the best schools,” said Arellano coach Obet Javier in Filipino as his team pounced on the Lady Blazers’ 49 errors and nailed the Lady Chiefs second straight semifinals appearance.

Rosario also had five block points while Tubiera had eight digs.

“CJ (Rosario) has improved a lot ever since she got here,” said Javier.

Meanwhile, San Sebastian dumped listless Jose Rizal University, 25-13, 25-11, 25-9, with power hitter Gretchel Soltones scoring 13 points.

The Lady Stags joined defending champion Perpetual Help Lady Altas and the Lady Blazers in a tie in second place with similar 6-2 marks.

Therese Veronas registered 23 points, including two service aces, while Jannine Navarro tallied 21 points for CSB.