Generals buck Chiefs, near 2nd NC volley final

MANILA, Philippines - Emilio Aguinaldo College went to Howard Mojica as it turned back Arellano University, 24-26, 25-19, 25-17, 25-17, yesterday to keep its title holes alive in men’s play of the 90th NCAA volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The power-hitting Mojica, who leads the MVP derby, uncorked 24 hits he highlighted with 21 kills that helped propel the Generals to the win and closer to a second straight finals appearance.

EAC, eyeing its first ever title since joining the league five years ago, also stretched its unbeaten run to 10, including a nine-match sweep of the elims. The Generals shoot for the first finals slot against College of St. Benilde.

The Blazers stunned the heavily favored Perpetual Help Altas, the reigning four-peat champions, 25-12, 29-27, 19-25, 25-20, to likewise move a win away from reaching the finals.

Johnvic de Guzman went on a spiking spree as he unloaded 28 kills for a match-best 33 hits to steer the Blazers to the stirring win, not to mention enhancing his MVP bid against Mojica.

“Our big win over Perpetual Help is just one step towards our goal of making the finals this season,” said CSB coach Arnold Laniog.

“But we need to sustain that fire and play more determined for us to have a chance against EAC,” he added.