Duel back to square 1 for Lady Chiefs, Stags

MANILA, Philippines - Arellano U seeks to ride the crest of its emphatic Game One victory while San Sebastian hopes to bounce back from its lethargic performance as the two collide today in the women’s division finals of the 92nd NCAA volleyball tournament at the San Juan Arena.

Relying on their rock-solid blocking and superb court coverage, the Lady Chiefs overpowered the once unbeaten Lady Stags, 25-18, 25-20, 25-16, Tuesday to reduce the series to a two-to-win showdown.

Game time is at 3:30 p.m.

“Our game plan is the same except we need to adjust to whatever adjustment they will make,” said Arellano U coach Obet Javier.

Arellano U limited reigning back-to-back MVP Grethcel Soltones to just 15 hits.

San Sebastian mentor Roger Gorayeb, whose charges swept the elimination round to advance straight to the finals along with the thrice-to-beat edge that goes with it, was disappointed but said it is not yet too late to bounce back.

In juniors’ play, Perpetual Help aims to sustain the momentum of its 25-21, 25-18, 25-22 triumph Tuesday as it tangles with elims sweeper Lyceum of the Phl U at 12 noon.

With their win in the first game the Junior Altas also negated the Junior Pirates’ thrice-to-beat.