GAMES TOMORROW
(The Arena, San Juan)
11 a.m. – San Beda vs. JRU
2:30 p.m. – Mapua vs. SSC
ARELLANO University boosted its bid for a Final Four slot after scoring a 19-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-14, 19-17 win over University of Perpetual Help yesterday at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Sports and Cultural Center in Manila.
Rookie middle blocker Sam Tiratira scored a career-high 21 points while Laika Tudlasan and Pauline De Guzman added 18 markers apiece for the Legarda-based crew, which improved to 10-6 and fourth overall while dropping the Lady Altas to fifth with a 9-6 mark.
Marianne Padillon and Catherine Domasig also made their presence felt for Arellano’s bounce-back victory as they fired 17 and 10 markers, respectively.
“Siguro talagang binigay ng Panginoon sa amin iyong game ngayon kasi last two game ganun din [nangyari]… So, maganda rin siguro iyong hugot sa ibang tao. Buti na lang si team captain Alona (Caguicla) hindi sya nagkamali, nasa kanya iyong crucial part,” said Arellano head mentor Obet Javier.
“Iyong game talagang grabe kasi ayun nga, iyong scoring ngayon sa women’s halos hindi mo talaga masabi kung sino talagan iyong aangat so lagi lang namin sinasabi sa kanila iyong every game dapat masulit natin, dapat manalo tayo kasi wala namang dapat gawin kundi dapat manalo para sa school.”
The Lady Altas were led by Shaila Omipon who scored 28 points. Camille Bustamante had 16 markers and Winnie Bedana added 13 points.
Lyceum of the Philippines University also boosted its Final Four hopes after outlasting also-ran Emilio Aguinaldo College in its home court in a crucial come-from-behind win 15-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-13.
Despite the absence of coach Cromwel Garcia, the Lady Pirates returned to the win column and improved to a 7-8 slate.
Outside spiker Johna Dolorito led the Lady Pirates with her triple-double performance of 17 points, 15 excellent receptions and 12 digs while skipper Venice Puzon tossed 19 excellent sets and scored two markers.
Rookie hitter Ashley Muchillas and Joan Doguna also fired up the offense of the Lady Pirates with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
