MANILA, Philippines – Emilio Aguinaldo College drew strength from another explosive effort of Howard Mojica as it smashed a hapless Mapua, 25-19, 25-14, 25-21, Tuesday to streak to its ninth straight win in the 90th NCAA men's volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
The power-spiking Mojica unloaded 20 hits including 18 on spikes as the Generals clinched their ninth straight victory to sweep the first round while further boosting his chances to clinch the MVP plum.
EAC thus lead the march the second round along with Perpetual Help (7-1), Arellano University (6-2) and College of St. Benilde (6-2).
More importantly, the Generals moved a few steps closer from winning not only their first volleyball title but also their first championship in any NCAA senior event since joining the league five years ago.
EAC actually had its best finish in volleyball a season ago when it placed second to Perpetual Help, which swept its way to a fourth straight title last year.
This year, everything looks bright for the Generals, who also put a halt to the Altas' once mighty 53-match streak two weeks back.
Earlier, the Blazers clinched the fourth and last spot in the second round with a 28-26, 25-17, 25-17 win over the Lions.
In women's play, St. Benilde pulled the rug from under San Sebastian with a shock 25-18, 25-23, 25-20 win over San Sebastian to snatch the fourth and final berth in the second round with a 6-2 slate.
The Lady Stags fell to 7-2, half a match behind the Perpetual Help Lady Altas (7-1) and the unbeaten Arellano University Lady Chiefs (8-0).
EAC trounced Mapua, 25-15, 25-15, 25-18, in a non-bearing women's match.