Published May 21, 2025 5:09pm
Updated May 21, 2025 5:09pm
Arellano University, which was once at the top of NCAA women’s volleyball echelon, moved closer to a Final Four return after thrashing also-ran Emilio Aguinaldo College in Season 100, 25-19, 25-15, 25-23, on Wednesday at the Filoil Centre.
The former three-time champions Lady Chiefs relied on the steady offense of third-year outside spiker Laika Tudlasan, who put together 13 points anchored on 10 attacks and three aces as they improved to 11-6 while the Lady Generals dropped to 4-12.
With the win, Arellano also eliminated Lyceum of the Philippines University (7-8) from contention.
But even with the victory, Arellano head coach Obet Javier stressed he’s unsatisfied after seeing his wards become complacent in the third set, where EAC staged multiple comeback attempts.
Arellano built a 17-12 lead following back-to-back attack errors from EAC as Moming Padillon and Laika Tudlasan took care of their offense.
But the Lady Generals showed there was still a fight in them with veteran Jennifer Omapas providing the spark in the final frame after unleashing three straight aces to lead a 6-1 blast that allowed EAC to pull within one, 18-19.
Alex Razonable also came alive for EAC after unloading back-to-back attacks before an attack infraction from Fhaye Mangubat saw the score knotted at 22-all.
But Arellano regained a 24-22 cushion after Ashley Magnayi committed a service error and Padillon soared from the left side to bring the Lady Chiefs at match point, 24-22. Sam Tiratira put the exclamation after ending a rally with her powerful quick attack.
“Kung titignan natin ‘yung game today, para sa akin, panalo kami oo pero hindi ako masaya kasi hindi maganda ‘yung performance ng team. Masyadong naka-relax, ‘yun ang nakakatakot,” Javier told GMA News Online.
“Concern ‘yan lalo na sa next game namin sa LPU. Dapat mas maayos ‘yung galaw namin.”
—JKC, GMA Integrated News