Lady Chiefs, Altas reach NCAA volley Final 4

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning titlist Arellano University overpowered Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-19, 25-11, 25-8, to clinch the first Final Four berth in the women’s division of the 94th NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Perpetual Help smashed Mapua, 25-22, 25-17, 25-15, to barge into the magic four with a 4-2 (win-loss) record.

Regine Anne Arocha, last year’s finals MVP, paced her team with 14 points including nine kills and four service aces as the Lady Chiefs sealed a place in the Final Four by staying on top and perfect with seven wins.

AU could barge straight to the best-of-three finals with a sweep of  its last two games against Perpetual Help (3-2) on Thursday and last year’s finals foe San Beda (6-1) on Jan. 15.

The Lady Generals sank to their eighth straight defeat.

In men’s play, AU outlasted EAC, 25-13, 25-18, 27-29, 16-25, 16-14, to seize solo second place with a 6-1 mark.

Christian dela Paz led his team with 16 points while Kim Vincent Tan and Jesrael Liberato added 14 and 13 hits, respectively, as the Generals posted their sixth win in seven outings, or just a shade behind pacesetter Perpetual Help (5-0).

EAC skipper Joshua Mina and Joshua Ramilo fired 23 and 22 points, respectively, and teamed up to mount a spirited fightback that fell short.

EAC absorbed their third defeat with five wins but stayed at No. 4.

In juniors’ action, EAC pulled the rug from under AU, 25-14, 25-20, 25-19, to improve to 3-5.

The Junior Chiefs sputtered to 4-3.