Lady Chiefs, Blazers edge closer to finals

MANILA, Philippines - Arellano University and College of St. Benilde turned back San Sebastian, 25-18, 25-19, 25-21, and three-peat champion Perpetual Help, 26-24, 25-22, 25-18, respectively, to inch closer to the finals in women’s play of the 90th NCAA volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

Menchie Tubiera and CJ Rosario combined for 28 hits, including 23 on attacks and five on blocks, to propel the Lady Chiefs to the victory in the single-round robin semis.

Arellano is eyeing its second straight trip to the best-of-three championship after bowing to Perpetual Help.

Jannine Navarro, meanwhile, came away with a match-high 17 hits to power the Lady Blazers past the defending champions.

Meanwhile, the league reset its finals schedule to give way for the Papal visit next week.

After Game One on Jan. 14, Game Two will be played on Jan. 21 while a decider, if necessary, is set on Jan. 23.

In high school play, Perpetual Help and Lyceum toppled their respective rivals to move within a win from sealing a title clash.

The Junior Altas turned back the EAC Brigadiers, 25-18, 23-25, 25-21, 25-20, while the Junior Pirates trounced the San Sebastian Staglets, 21-25, 25-22, 25-22, 28-26.

Perpetual avenged its elims loss to EAC and remained unscathed after a seven-game elimination round sweep.

Meanwhlie, the Junior Pirates’ first set loss was the first they conceded after sweeping their first 21 sets.

“Maybe it’s because of the long break, we were a little sluggish,” said Lyceum coach Rey Colima, whose team returned to practice only last Monday.