Two veterans got the Arellano University Lady Chiefs’ four-peat bid off to a good start yesterday at the Fil Oil Flying V Centre, San Juan City.
Regine Arocha and Mikaela Juanich delivered crucial points for the Lady Chiefs in their 27-25, 25-20, 25-20 three-set sweep of the Lyceum Lady Pirates in their opening game of the NCAA Season 95 women’s volleyball.
The come-backing Arocha hit 18 points for the Lady Chiefs, who earned their first win of the season.
Her heroics towards the end of a tight first set gave the Lady Chiefs enough momentum to finish off the Lady Pirates in their 88-minute long encounter.
The 5-foot-5 Arocha scored three of the game’s last three points in the first set, allowing the Lady Chiefs, to break a 25-all tie with a drop shot.
The Lady Chiefs then sustained their momentum in the second set, and took the match point, 25-20, on a net error by Lyceum’s Joan Doguna.
They then took a 9-4 edge in the second, courtesy off blocks from Juanich.
The Roberto Javier-coached Chiefs then weathered a late rally from the Lady Pirates, and took a 23-15 cushion in the final set off Arocha’s kill.
Arocha returned to the team last September following surgery on an injured foot.
Javier said the Lady Chiefs’ showing in their first game surprised him.
“Nagulat ako. Sa practice, hindi sila kasing galing. Sa laro ngayon, buti na lang ay na-overcome nila ang jitters nila,” said Javier.
The Lady Chiefs, who are still far from their peak according to Javier, brace for a showdown with the Emilio Aguinaldo College Lady Generals on Monday.
Earlier, Arellano University also won their first matches in the men’s and junior divisions.
The Chiefs, who were led by Jesrael Liberato with 15 points, won over the Lyceum Pirates, 25-22, 25-14, 25-22, in the men’s action.
Angelo Lagando also struck with 15 points for the Arellano Junior Chiefs, with turned back Lyceum, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24, 20-25, 15-12, in the junior side.
