Games today
9 a.m. – Perpetual Help vs Lyceum (jrs)
12 nn. – Arellano vs San Sebastian (w)
2 p.m. – St. Benilde vs EAC (srs)
MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help, Arellano University and College of St. Benilde gun for a sweep of the crown in their respective divisions in Game Two of the 90th NCAA volleyball finals at The Arena in San Juan City today.
The Junior Altas clobbered the Lyceum Junior Pirates, 25-19, 25-19, 25-11, in the series’ opener last Wednesday and are raring to finish off their rivals at 9 a.m. for what could be their first championship since scoring back-to-back title romps four seasons ago.
The Lady Chiefs, for their part, turned back the stubborn San Sebastian Lady Stags, 25-18, 25-15, 20-25, 25-19, to inch closer to snaring their maiden volley crown since joining the league five seasons ago.
The Blazers likewise pulled off a shock 27-25, 25-20, 23-25, 26-24 win over the heavily-favored Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals to zero in on their first men’s crown since joining the league two decades ago.
Power-hitting Danna Henson will be the player to watch for Arellano after leading the Lady Chiefs with 18 hits, including 15 kills and three service aces.
Henson also drew solid backup from CJ Rosario, Menchie Tubiera and Rialen Sante, who scattered 15, 13 and 11, respectively.
“The team is excited and eager for Game Two. We can’t wait for our chance to win it,” said Arellano coach Obet Javier, who fell short to guide the team to victory in last year’s finals against the Perpetual Help Lady Altas.
St. Benilde, meanwhile, expects a big fightback from EAC but the fired-up Blazers are ready for the Lady Generals’ comeback and remain confident of their chances.
“If we keep showing heart like in Game One, we’ll have a chance,” said St. Benilde coach Arnold Laniog.
The St. Benilde-EAC duel will also be a duel between Blazer Johnvic de Guzman and General Howard Mojica, the MVP race leader.