MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion Arellano University overpowered Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-11, 25-7, 25-20, on Thursday to close in on unbeaten leader San Sebastian in the 91st NCAA women's volleyball competition at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
CJ Rosario powered her way to a match-best 18 hits including 15 on kills while Jovielyn Grace Prado and Danna Henson chipped in 13 and 12, respectively, to help the Lady Chiefs nail their fifth win in six outings, half a game behind the pace-setting Lady Stags, who are unbeaten in five games.
Arellano U coach Obet Javier said every win counts since the league has implemented the new format of giving twice-to-beat advantages in the Final Four to the top placers after the single-round elimination.
"After our loss to San Sebastian, we're hoping to win our last few games to stay in the top two," said Javier, whose charges, 23-25, 25-18, 23-25, 21-25, a Roger Gorayeb-mentored San Sebastian squad last Saturday.
Jose Rizal trounced San Beda, 25-20, 25-23, 25-10, to stay in Final Four contention with a 3-3 (win-loss) mark.
In men's action, reigning men's titlist EAC turned back Arellano, 25-22, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21, to keep its spot at No. 2 with a 6-1 card, just a breath behind a league-leading Perpetual Help (5-0).