BY ABBY TORALBA
ARELLANO University held off San Sebastian College 25-17, 26-28, 22-25, 25-23, 15-12 yesterday to stay in Final Four contention in the 99th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Pauline de Guzman showed the way with 21 points while Marianne Padillon and skipper Dodee Batindaan chipped in 13 and 12 hits, respectively, to help seal the Lady Chiefs their first streak–a back to back–of the season and third overall in five outings.
But the result drew mixed emotions from Arellano coach Obet Javier.
“Puwede ko sabihing masaya at malungkot,” said Javier. “Masaya kasi nanalo kami. Pero kung titignan namin sa second set, lamang kami almost seven points tapos dumating time nagdikitan, hindi nila nahandle ganung klase pressure.”
Later, three-peat-seeking College of St. Benilde sent Letran to its knees with an imposing, unforgiving 25-18, 25-21, 25-19 victory that kept its hold of the lead in
It was the fifth straight victory for the Lady Blazers this season while extending its spectacular streak to 34 dating back from four years ago in a COVID-19 pandemic-shortened season.
The Lady Knights absorbed their first defeat after four wins in a row and dropped to No. 3 behind No. 2 Lyceum (4-0).
It also drew a strong performance from Heart Villaflores, who came through in the final two sets by scattering all his eight points and eventually saving the day.
Javier said they’re now looking forward to their next two games versus College of St. Benilde Wednesday and University of Perpetual Help Sunday.
