SAN BEDA and Perpetual Help seek to keep their Final Four hopes alive as the two clash with also runs Mapua and Jose Rizal, respectively, today in the 92nd NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.
The Lady Red Spikers, who are currently tied with the Lyceum of the Philippines University Lady Pirates at No. 4 with a 5-3 (win-loss) records, face off with the Lady Robins at 10:30 a.m. San Beda is eyeing nothing less than a victory that will clinch at least a playoff for a spot in the Final Four.
The Lady Altas, who are currently at No. 6 with a 4-3 slate, for their part, tangle with the Jose Rizal Lady Bombers at 12 noon seeking a win that will keep them in the hunt for a berth in the next round.
Perpetual Help is aiming to sweep its last two assignments including one against Arellano U, which is at No. 2 with a 7-1 mark, in the final elimination round playdate on Jan. 25.
But first, Perpetual Help coach Sammy Acaylar said they will need to focus on Jose Rizal, which has nothing to lose but everything to gain.
“We have to take care of Jose Rizal first before we think of anything else,” said Acaylar.
Jose Rizal and Mapua are both eliminated with 3-5 and 0-8 marks, respectively.
In men’s play, defending champion Perpetual Help (6-1) looks for a share of the lead with St. Benilde (7-1) as it squares off with an eliminated Jose Rizal (1-7).
San Beda (6-2) and Mapua (5-3) fight for a Final Four seat as the two collide at 9 a.m.
The Arellano University Lady Chiefs have already secured their fifth consecutive semifinals appearance after dismantling the Lyceum of the Philippines University Lady Pirates in straight sets Wednesday afternoon.
Arellano tallied its seventh straight victory after they fell to the league-leading San Sebastian Lady Stags on opening day. The Lady Pirates are in danger of falling out of the top four.
Jovielyn Prado led the Lady Chiefs with 12 points. Setter Rhea Ramirez registered 39 excellent sets.
All of the sets were hotly contested as both teams leaned on their formidable net game and tireless floor defense to frustrate their opponents.
The more efficient game of the Lady Chiefs powered them to their seventh straight win.
The Lady Chiefs had more spikes than the Lady Pirates, 37-36, and also had more blocks, 8-6.
Games today
(Filoil Flying V Arena)
9 a.m.- San Beda vs Mapua (m)
10:30 a.m.- San Beda vs Mapua (w)
12 nn. – Perpetual Help vs JRU (w)
1:30 p.m.- Perpetual Help vs JRU (m)