Arellano shuts down San Beda’s Racracquin in sweep

Games Saturday (September 9)

(Filoil Arena, San Juan)

8 a.m. – Ateneo vs UST (m)

10 a.m. – La Salle vs FEU (m)

4 p.m. – Adamson vs Arellano (w)

6:30 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (w)

MANILA, Philippines – NCAA champion Arellano University found a way to slow down Cesca Racracquin as it hammered out a 25-22, 25-21, 25-18 victory over San Beda on Wednesday to seize the solo lead in Group B in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at the Filoil Arena in San Juan City.

Regine Arocha and Jovelyn Prado, who suited up for the Power Smashers in the Reinforced and Open Conferences this year, came through big and fired 16 and 13 points, respectively, to help the Lady Chiefs nail their second straight win and the top spot in Group B.

It was, however, San Beda’s defense that spelled the difference as it held Racraquin, who played for Creamline the last two conferences, to just nine points after unleashing a 19-point performance in a 25-13, 25-18, 25-27, 25-13 win over the Technological Institute of the Philippines Sunday.

“We worked on our defense,” said AU coach Obet Javier in Filipino.

AU also avenged its straight sets defeat to this same San Beda team in the Founders’ Cup last July.

“We lost to them in the Founders Cup and we really prepared hard against them going into this game,” said Javier.

After barely snaring the opening set, the Lady Chiefs found themselves in deep trouble as the Red Spikers zoomed to a 16-13 advantage in the second.

AU, however, tightened up its defense in the net and closed the door on the usually power-hitting Racraquin.

It was the same story in the third as San Beda trailed, 6-8, only to claw its way back to seize the set and the match.

In men’s action, defending champion Ateneo turned back San Beda, 25-23, 25-16, 27-25, to grab a share of the lead with Santo Tomas with two wins apiece.

Marck Espejo and Gian Carlo Glorioso fired 15 and 13 hits, respectively, to help power the Eagles, who are also the reigning UAAP champions, to their second straight win.

Far Eastern U pulled the rug from under National U, 25-23, 21-25, 25-21, 14-25, 15-13, to post its first win after falling to Ateneo, 25-20, 21-25, 21-25, 20-25, last week.

John Paul Bugaoan unloaded a match-best 22 points while Richard Solis and Jude Garcia uncorked 15 and 13 points.

The Bulldogs fell to 1-1.