Arellano University flashed its championship poise as it turned back gutsy San Beda University, 27-29, 25-19, 25-21, 25-15, in the NCAA Season 97 women’s volleyball tournament on Tuesday.
The come-from-behind victory handed the three-time defending champions an early 2-0 win-loss card while San Beda went down to 0-2.
Arellano struggled in the opening set as San Beda took home the extended frame with a 29-27 decision.
However, the wards of decorated mentor Obet Javier came alive in the next two sets with Nicole Sasuman and Charmina Diño showing the way.
Sasuman, who played pivotal role in their opening day win over Mapua University, helped control the tempo in the second frame as they took advantage of San Beda’s errors, 25-19.
It was Diño’s turn to take over in the third as the power hitter scattered points in the set before an attack from her gave them the set point, 24-21. San Beda never recovered as Arellano moved a set away from the win.
Arellano had an even stronger start in the fourth, building a 14-5 lead off an ace by Diño as the decision of coach Javier to field second setter Kristine Adante paid off.
That lead ballooned to 22-10 off an ace by Janice Mauntag.
Arellano will look to go 3-0 against San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Saturday while San Beda vies to finally barge into win column against Lyceum on the same day.
—JMB, GMA News
