MANILA, Philippines - Emilio Aguinaldo College leaned on another explosive performance by Howard Mojica to demolish Mapua, 25-19, 25-14, 25-21, yesterday and extend its win streak to nine in the 90th NCAA men’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
The power-spiking Mojica unloaded 20 hits, including 18 on spikes, as the Generals completed their sweep of the first round while boosting his bid for the MVP plum.
Perpetual Help is at second at 7-1 followed by Arellano University and College of St. Benilde, which tote identical 6-2 cards.
More importantly, the Generals moved closer to winning not only their first volleyball title but also their first championship in any NCAA senior event since joining the league five years ago.
EAC actually had its best finish in volleyball last year when it placed second to Perpetual Help, which swept its way to a fourth straight championship.
The Generals also halted the Altas’ 53-match streak two weeks ago.
Earlier, the Blazers clinched the fourth and last spot in the second round with a 28-26, 25-17, 25-17 win over the San Beda Lions.
In women’s play, St. Benilde pulled the rug from under San Sebastian with a shock 25-18, 25-23, 25-20 win to snatch the fourth and final berth in the second round with a 6-2 slate.
The Lady Stags fell to 7-2 behind the Perpetual Help Lady Altas (7-1) and the unbeaten Arellano University Lady Chiefs (8-0).