Perpetual, Arellano, CSB go for kill in NCAA volley

Matches Friday

(The Arena, San Juan)

9 a.m. – Perpetual Help vs Lyceum (Jrs)

12 p.m. – Arellano vs San Sebastian (W)

2 p.m. – St. Benilde vs EAC (Srs)

MANILA, Philippines – Perpetual Help, Arellano University and College of St. Benilde shoot for the crown while Lyceum, San Sebastian and Emilio Aguinaldo College gun for the equalizer in Friday’s Game Two of the 90th NCAA volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Fueled by the troika of Meldin Dildil, Vincent Recamara and Ricky Marcos' strong efforts, the Junior Altas overpowered the Lyceum Junior Pirates, 25-19, 25-19, 25-11, in Game One last Wednesday to move a step closer from claiming their first title since capturing back-to-back titles four years ago.

Dildil, Recamara and Marcos took turns and combined for 35 hits and should be the players to watch when the Las Pinas-based school tries to finish off Lyceum in Game Two set at 9 a.m. and bag its seventh juniors crown overall that will install it as the second most titled team next to San Sebastian's 15.

"Winning the championship is our ultimate goal," said Perpetual Help coach Sandy Rieta in Filipino.

The Lady Chiefs and the Blazers, for their part, aim for their first ever title since the former joined the league five years ago and the latter less than two decades back.

Arellano thumped San Sebastian, 25-18, 25-15, 20-25, 25-19, while St. Benilde surprised Emilio Aguinaldo College, 27-25, 25-20, 23-25, 26-24, which pushed them on the verge of finally winning it all.

The Lady Chiefs came one set away from snaring their first women's volley championship but lost to last year's champions the Perpetual Help Lady Altas, while the Blazers had their shot seven seasons ago when they made the finals only to lose to the Letran Knights.

"We just have to stay focus but we'll definitely go for the title in Game Two," said Arellano coach Roberto Javier.

For St. Benilde mentor Arnold Laniog, it will be about desire.

"Who wants it more will win it," said Laniog, who also coached Systema to a runner-up finish in Shakey's V-League's first men's conference late last year.