MANILA, Philippines – Emilio Aguinaldo College went to Howard Mojica as it turned back a gritty Arellano University, 24-26, 25-19, 25-17, 25-17, to boost its title hopes in the men's division of the 90th NCAA volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
The power-hitting Mojica, who leads the MVP race, uncorked 24 hits he highlighted with 21 spikes that helped propel the Generals one win closer to making a second straight finals appearance after getting swept by eventual champion Perpetual Help in two matches last year.
EAC, eyeing its first ever title since entering the league five years ago, also kept its unbeaten run to 10 wins, including a nine-match sweep of the elimination round, and could seal a slot in the best-of-three championship, which unfolds on Wednesday, if it could beat a dangerous College of St. Benilde.
The Blazers sent shockwaves down the tournament area by stunning the heavily favored Perpetual Help Altas, the reigning four-peat champions, 25-12, 29-27, 19-25, 25-20, to also move a win away from gate-crashing into the finals.
Johnvic de Guzman went on a spiking spree as he unloaded 28 kills to end up with a match-best 33 hits to lead the way for the Blazers.
The crisp-spiking de Guzman not only lifted his team, he also enhanced his chances of snatching the MVP award away from Mojica if he continued his strong play.
St. Benilde coach Arnold Laniog said they need to challenge themselves more to get to that dream finals appearance.
"Our big win over Perpetual Help is just one step towards our goal of making the finals this season," said Laniog, who coached Systema to a second place performance in the Shakey's V-League, in Filipino.
"But we need to sustain that fire and play more determined for us to have a chance against EAC," he added.