ARELLANO University seeks to forge an interesting title showdown with San Sebastian as it clashes with defending champion St. Benilde today in the women’s division of the 92nd NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.
Ensured of a twice-to-beat incentive after clinching the second seeding, the Lady Chiefs will need just a win against the Lady Blazers in their 3:30 p.m. showdown to advance to the championship round against the Lady Stags.
San Sebastian swept its way to the finals to enjoy a thrice-to-beat edge.
Arellano U defeated St. Benilde, 25-21, 25-21, 25-21, in their first round meeting on Jan. 11 but coach Obet Javier said they have to play harder to pull off a repeat against the latter.
“We all know they (St. Benilde) beat us in the stepladder semis last year and we need to really play harder to prevent it from happening again this year,” said Javier, who is eyeing to steer his team back to the finals after winning it all two seasons ago, in Filipino.
The Lady Blazers kept their title-retention hope alive after turning back the San Beda Lady Red Spikers in the first stepladder semis Tuesday, 25-22, 25-20, 25-15.
St. Benilde mentor Macky Carino said they remain confident despite the odds.
“We’re in a familiar place like last year and I’m optimistic we can come through,” said Carino, whose charges came all the way from No. 4 to claim the crown last season.
In men’s play, defending champion Perpetual Help and St. Benilde start their best-of-three title duel as the two face off at 1:30 p.m.
Both games will be telecast live on ABS CBN’s Sports and Action Channel 23.
In juniors action, reigning titlist Perpetual Help and Emilio Aguinaldo collide one final time at 10 a.m. with the winner arranging a finals match with Lyceum of the Phl U, which swept the elims to barge into the finals.
Games today (Feb. 3)
(Filoil Flying V Center)
10 a.m.- UPHSD vs EAC (jrs stepladder)
1:30 p.m.- CSB vs UPHSD (men’s Finals)
3:30 p.m.- AU vs CSB (women’s stepladder)