Arellano survives stern test, turns back Perpetual

Arellano University survived its toughest test yet, climbing back from two sets down to beat University of Perpetual Help, 22-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 15-5, in the NCAA Season 93 women’s volleyball tournament Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Lady Chiefs leaned on their trio of Jovielyn Prado, Andrea Marzan and Regine Arocha, who combined for 50 points.

“We played so bad in the first two sets so I made adjustments beginning the third set and things started to click,” said Arellano head coach Obet Javier in Filipino after steering his squad to its 18th consecutive win dating back to last season.

Prado scored 20 points with four blocks while Marzan and Arocha scored 16 and 14 points, respectively.

“I just told them to play with heart,” Prado said in Filipino. “The games become more important as the season goes so we have to treat every game like there’s no tomorrow.”

After a tough first four sets, defending champion Arellano showed its composure and raced to a 10-1 start in the deciding fifth set.

Maria Tripoli had 20 points while Cindy Imbo added 19 for the Lady Altas, whose lead over fourth-running San Sebastian in the standings is now just half a game after falling to 4-2.

Joyce Sta. Rita set a career-high to lead San Sebastian past Mapua, 25-20, 25-7, 29-31, 25-14, in the other match.