Arellano downs SSC, grabs lead in NCAA women’s volley

MANILA, Philippines – Arellano University shut down Gretchel Soltones as it eked out a 25-21, 15-25, 25-14, 25-18 victory over San Sebastian Tuesday to snatch the solo lead in the 90th NCAA women's volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

CJ Rosario and Menchie Tubiera fired 12 apiece while Danna Henson scattered 11 as the Lady Chiefs nailed their sixth straight victory to bump off the Lady Stags from the lead as the latter fell to joint second with the Perpetual Help Altas with a 5-1 (win-loss) record apiece.

Defense, however, spelled the difference as Arellano U, led by Rosario's four blocks, held Soltones, a Shakey's V-League veteran, to a season low four hits.

Jose Rizal, for its part, continued to impress after it downed Mapua, 25-21, 23-25, 25-15, 25-12, to remain in the middle of the pack with a 4-3 slate.

Power-spiking Maria Shola Alvarez unloaded 25 hits including 19 on kills while team captain Rosali Pepito and Elaine Eunice Caridad chipped in 11 apiece.

In men's play, Mapua shocked Jose Rizal, 25-22, 25-21, 26-24, 25-22, to nail its first triumph after losing its first four matches.

Philip Michael Bagalay paced all hitters with 25, 21 of which off attacks.