THE Arellano University Chiefs stopped Jose Rizal University, 25-19, 25-18, 25-20, while the San Sebastian Lady Stags held off Lyceum, 20-25, 25-13, 25-11, 25-14, yesterday in the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Chiefs, led by Kenneth Aliyacyac and Kevin Liberato, posted their fifth win in eight games in the men’s division. They climbed to fourth place to stay in contention for a Final Four semifinal seat.
On the other hand, the Lady Stags leaned on the big plays of Gretchel Soltones to move a step closer to an elimination-round sweep with their eighth consecutive victory.
Soltones, the reigning league MVP, unleashed a match-best 27 hits including 24 on spikes as the Lady Stags tallied the come-from-behind victory.
The Lady Stags are just a win away from an outright finals slot.
Aliyacyac and Liberato tallied 12 and eight points for the Chiefs, who are behind the University of Perpetual Help Altas (7-0), the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals (7-1) and College of St. Benilde (5-2).
In other games, Mapua turned back Letran, 25-20, 25-23,18-23, 15-25, 16-14, in a four-setter in the women’s side.
Lyceum prevailed over San Sebastian, 24-26, 25-21, 25-18, 25-21, in another men’s match.
The Junior Pirates won over SSC, 25-27, 25-16, 17-25, 25-21, 15-10, in a high school encounter to move up at 4-3.
