Veteran utility spiker Rielen Sante spearheaded Arellano University’s ferocious play, as the Lady Chiefs pounced on San Sebastian Lady Stags’ errors down the stretch en route to a hard-earned 18-25, 25-16, 25-10, 26-28, 15-13 victory last night in Game 2 of the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s volleyball finals at the Arena in San Juan.
Sante struck with 15 points for the Lady Chiefs, who needed two hours and four minutes to post their second straight win against the thrice-to-beat Lady Stags.
With the win, the Lady Chiefs drew a game closer to win the title, while the Stags need two win two straight to steal the championship.
Arellano spiker Mary Anne Esguerra, who had 10 hits, tied the game for the last time in the deciding set with a kill at 13-all, before Regine Arocha scored off a drop shot that sailed past the hands of MVP awardee Gretchel Soltones.
The Chiefs then moved within match point as Soltones mishandled and erred on her return spike, 14-13.
In the next play, Lady Stags Dangie Encarnacion hit the ball long, allowing the Lady Chiefs to seal the win.
Arellano won despite committing 51 errors, mostly from teammate Jovielyn Prado.
The errors allowed the Lady Stags to stay within range in the final set.
“Talagang nagtrabaho ang Baste. Tapos nawala si Prado sa errors. Mahirap ang ganun. Buti na lang, na-depensahan namin ang atake nila,” said Arellano coach Obet Javier.
Earlier, the Perpetual Help Junior Altas fought their way out of a two-set deficit to frustrate Lyceum of the Philippines , 25-16, 23-25, 19-25, 25-18, 15-10, and move within reach of a three-peat feat in the juniors division.
Ivan Encila led with 20 hits while Paul Solamin, Marvien Castillo and Ryuji Condrad Etorma contributed 19, 17 and 12 points, respectively, to push the Junior Altas towithin win away from booking their third straight title.
In Game 1, the Las Pinas-based spikers, who outsteadied LPU, 25-21, 25-18, 25-22, in the series opener last Tuesday, will go for the crown on Feb. 14.
“We knew they’re going to bounce back strong and I’m happy we were able to handle it and adjusted well,” said Perpetual Help coach Sandy Rieta.
The Junior Pirates are danger of getting swept by Perpetual Help after emerging unbeaten during the eliminations.