The Arellano Lady Chiefs clinched the bronze medal after defeating the Mapúa Lady Cardinals in a breathtaking five sets, 27-25, 22-25, 31-29, 20-25, 15-9, in the #NCAA100 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, June 8, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Moming Padillion fetched AU’s offensive strength with 25 points, 22 coming from the attacks and 3 from blocks, while Laika Tudlasan toted 20 markers, and 14 points came from graduating Pau Deguzman, who also contributed two digits.
The Lady Chiefs are not ready to end the season with disappointment; it highlights their willpower in a tough match against the Lady Cardinals.
The blue-silver-red team easily contained the first set, opening with a 12-8 run in their favor with their on-time attacks and team composure; they ended the set 27-25.
Arellano struggled to maintain their momentum in the second set as Mapúa controlled the game and used the unforced errors committed by the Lady Chiefs as they ended the set with a commanding three point lead.
The Lady Chiefs regained hope in the third set as they forced a 2-1 lead after reclaiming the points they lost to the Lady Cardinals in the second set.
Coming to the fourth set, Arellano got humbled as Mapúa manipulated the game, allowing the Cardinals to take the fourth set, leading both teams to 2-2 and force a decider set.
Arellano got up in the last set, sparking a 14-9 score. Tiratira delivered much-needed points for the Lady Chiefs before the Cardinals committed a match-point error that sealed the bronze, despite a historic 38-point performance from Cardinals' standout Freighanne Garcia.
With this win, the Arellano Lady Chiefs showcased their podium-worthy skills and secured a bronze finish in their NCAA Season 100 Women's Volleyball campaign.
- Frank Halsen G. Caldino