By Waylon Galvez
Standings W L
*CSB 7 0
*Arellano 7 1
*Perpetual 6 2
*San Beda 6 2
JRU 4 5
Letran 3 4
LPU 3 5
SSC-R 2 6
Mapua 1 7
EAC 1 8
*semifinalist
Games Friday (The Arena, San Juan)
10 a.m. – San Beda vs Lyceum (Mens)
12 noon – San Beda vs Lyceum (Womens)
2 p.m. – St. Benilde vs Mapua (Womens)
3:30 p.m. – St. Benilde vs Mapua (Mens)
Defending three-time champion Arellano University solidified its bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs following a dominant win over Emilio Aguinaldo College 25-15, 25-14, 25-20 in NCAA Season 95 volleyball Thursday at The Arena in San Juan.
Necole Ebuen of Arellano University attacks the defense of Cathrine Almazan and Jamaica Villena of Emilio Aguinaldo College during their game in the NCAA Season 95 volleyball Thursday at The Arena in San Juan City. (NCAA Images)
Carla Amaina Donata scored 12 points, last season’s MVP Necole Ebuen contributed 11 points, Sarah Princess Verutiao added 18 excellent sets and Princess Bello had 12 digs.
Arellano star spiker Regine Ann Arocha sat out the game as part of coach Obet Javier’s plan in preparation for their final game against undefeated College of St. Benilde on Monday.
“Pinahinga muna for our next game,” said Javier. “Nabigyan din yung iba ng chance to play like si Donata, na nag-step up naman. So maganda yun for the team, sa players for their confidence.
“Now we prepare for St. Benilde, yun na ang focus namin. Paghahandaan namin, kasi doon nakasalalay kung san kami sa playoffs. We’ll go all out of course, yan ang mindset ng players.”
Arellano’s win improved its record to 7-1 behind CSB (7-0).
The Lady Blazers face the Mapua Cardinals (1-7) Friday, a game they are expected to win before their encounter against the Lady Chiefs.
A setback, however, by CSB against either Mapua or Arellano will result to a crossover semifinal playoffs with the top two teams earning twice-to-beat bonus in the semifinals.
But a victory by St. Benilde in its last two matches means outright finals berth for the Lady Blazers, leaving Arellano, Perpetual Help and San Beda to a stepladder playoffs to determine the last finals slot.
As for EAC, the team finished its elimination round campaign with a 1-8 card. Cathrine Almazan led the Lady Generals with 14 points.
In men’s action, Arellano defeated EAC 22-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21, 15-13 to improve to 6-2 and gain semifinal spot. The Chiefs, who got 23 points from Jesrael Liberato, join the Perpetual Help Altas (8-0) and the Generals (7-2).