WITH Nicole Sasuman showing the way, defending three-time champion Arellano University clobbered Emilio Aguinaldo College 25-21, 25-18, 26-24 yesterday to clinch a Final Four slot in the 97th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Paco Arena.
Sasuman led the Lady Chiefs with 13 points and got much-needed help from skipper Carla Donato and Charmina Dino who added nine markers apiece.
Arellano’s fifth straight win served as a big follow-up to its 25-12, 25-13, 25-23 victory over Perpetual Help four days ago and hiked its record to 7-1 for an eighth-straight stint in the semis.
The Lady Generals, coming off a 25-12, 25-13, 25-23 triumph over Letran last Saturday, slipped to 2-6.
Earlier, San Sebastian College held off San Beda University 25-21, 23-25, 30-32, 25-23, 15-13 to boost its Final Four hopes.
Rookie Kath Santos fired 24 points, built from 22 attacks and two service aces for the Lady Stags, while Tina Marasigan tallied 13 markers.
Kristine Dionisio scored 11 points, while Reyann Cañete finished with 10 points, 12 digs, and 19 excellent receptions for San Sebastian, which bounced back from a 11-25, 22-25, 14-25 loss to College of St. Benilde last Friday.
Libero and team captain Jewelle Bermillo also had 45 digs and 13 excellent receptions for the Lady Stags who grabbed solo third with a 5-2 card. — Abby Toralba
