ARELLANO University shoots for a Final Four berth while Lyceum of the Phl U at least a playoff for a spot in it as the two clash today in the women’s division of the 92nd NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.
The Lady Chiefs pulled the rug from under the St. Benilde Lady Blazers, 25-21, 25-21, 25-21, Wednesday to nail their sixth straight win in seven outings and at least a playoff for a Final Four spot.
A victory in their 11:30 a.m. showdown with Lady Pirates, who are precariously clinging to a spot in the magic four, will send the Lady Chiefs to the next round alongside Grethcel Soltones and the San Sebastian Lady Stags, the lone unbeaten squad with seven victories.
“We need to play as a team again to win,” said Arellano University coach Obet Javier in Filipino.
LPU currently owns a 5-2 (win-loss) record and would be in dire need of a win that will secure it of at least a playoff for a berth in the semis.
It plays San Sebastian on Jan 23 in its last elimination round game.
In juniors’ action, LPU seeks the first of needed two triumphs to barge straight to the finals as it tackles Arellano (4-1) at 8:30 a.m.
The Junior Pirates shocked the Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 19-25, 20-25, 25-22, 26-24, 15-12, Friday to remain unscathed in five outings that put the former two wins away from booking a slot in the finals where they will enjoy a thrice-to-beat edge.
In men’s play, LPU (3-4) and Arellano (5-2) collide at 10 a.m. while ousted Jose Rizal (1-6) and Jose Rizal (1-6) face off at 2:30 p.m.
Games today
(Jan. 18)
8:30 a.m.- AU vs LPU (jrs)
10 a.m.- AU vs LPU (m)
11:30 a.m.- AU vs LPU (w)
1 p.m.- JRU vs CSJL (w)
2:30 p.m.- JRU vs CSJL (m)