Lady Chiefs rally vs Altas, seal semis playoff seat
Jovielyn Prado of Arellano U reaches out to foil Perpetual Help Cindy Imbo’s bid for a kill. Jun Mendoza
MANILA, Philippines — Arellano U fought back from a two-set deficit and outlasted a hard-luck Perpetual Help, 22-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 15-5, yesterday to zero in on a Final Four spot in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
Jovielyn Prado atoned for a forgettable three-point effort the last time out, firing 20 hits, while Andrea Marzan and Regine Anne Arocha combined for 30 points to power the Lady Chiefs to their sixth straight win for at least a playoff for a Final Four berth.
The victory also moved the defending champions with three wins from sweeping their way straight to the finals.
“We just refused to lose,” said AU coach Obet Javier, whose wards swept the last 12 games to clinch the crown last year.
The Lady Altas actually appeared headed to halting the Lady Chiefs’ run after seizing the first two sets behind skipper Bianca Tripoli and Cindy Imbo, who combined for 39 points.
But Prado took over for the Lady Chiefs, who imposed their will and strength in the next three frames to clinch the win.
The Lady Altas fell to 4-2.
Earlier, San Sebastian rode on the career effort of Joyce Sta. Rita as it turned back Mapua, 25-20, 25-7, 29-31, 25-14, to stay in the semis race.
Sta. Rita made 28 points, including 22 on attacks and four on blocks to steer the Lady Stags to their third victory in five outings for joint fourth with the St. Benilde Lady Blazers.
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