ARELLANO University overcame a third set scare to beat University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 25-12, 25-13, 25-23, for its third straight win in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Paco Arena yesterday.

Nicole Sasuman led the Lady Chiefs’ 5-1 finishing run in the third set to sweep the Lady Altas and improve to 6-1 in second place.

Coach Obet Javier was satisfied the way Arellano remained composed despite Perpetual leading 22-20 late in the third.

“Bago mag-start ang third set sinabi ko na dapat makuha na natin ang pangatlo. Pinakamahalagang set yung pangatlo,” said Javier.

“So mabuti naman, kahit paano sa bandang huli nakuha pa rin namin yung goal namin yung set na ito,” he added.

Sasuman scored 10 points, Cess Bello had three service aces to finish with nine points, while setter KC Adante tossed in 19 excellent sets for the Lady Chiefs.

Playing with sore knees, an injury she said was connected to the scoliosis she was diagnosed in 2019, Bello promised to march on as Arellano hopes to extend its reign to four seasons.

“Magpapagaling ako at magpapalakas pa ako, marami pa akong pagkukulang sa sarili ko and sa team ko,” said Bello.

“Kayang-kaya ko pa, hindi pwedeng mawala ako. Hangga’t kaya ng tuhod ko, kaya ko,” she added.

Later, Emilio Aguinaldo College turned back Letran, 17-25, 26-24, 25-21, 25-17, to post its second consecutive win after a 0-5 start.

Coach Rod Palmero simply wanted his Lady Generals to make out the most of their remaining matches as they have started to jell as of late.

“Siyempre, masaya ako para sa kanila. Kahit huli na, nagpe-prepare na kami for next season,” said Palmero. “Sinabi ko sa kanila na mag-enjoy para matapos ang season na walang regrets ang mga bata.”

Cathrine Almazan came through with 23 points, including the match-winner, while Krizzia Reyes added 18 points, 22 digs and 10 receptions for EAC.

The loss, the third straight and the fifth overall in seven matches, put the Lady Altas on the brink of elimination.

The Lady Knights, on the other hand, formally bowed out of contention with their 1-6 record.

Hannah Suico tallied five points while setter Jenny Gaviola also scored five points, including two blocks, and had nine excellent sets for Perpetual.

Cha Cuñada hammered 11 kills while skipper Shereena Urmeneta also had 11 points, including two blocks, for Letran.

Games today

(Paco Arena)
12 noon – JRU vs CSB
2:30 p.m. – LPU vs Mapua