SUSTAINING THEIR SECOND loss of the season, the San Beda Lady Red Spikers came up short against the Arellano University (AU) Lady Chiefs, suffering a four set, 25-22, 9-25, 23-25,18-25, defeat in the first round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SBU Gym on February 28. 

With the Lady Chiefs attempting to snatch the lead, San Beda opened the first set by earning the first point of the game with a strong defense. However, efforts by the Lady Chiefs allowed them to catch up, tying at nine points and eventually leading up until 11-10. 

The Lady Red Spikers finally maintained their momentum after scoring 21 points, securing the lead until the last second of the set.

After the intense volleys took place along with the close scores in the early exchanges, the Lady Red Spikers held off the Lady Chiefs’ late push to secure a 25-22 set victory.

Despite a strong start, the Lady Red Spikers played with grit but ultimately faltered against Arellano’s aggressive plays. Costly errors and miscommunication allowed the Lady Chiefs to dominate, taking the set with a lopsided 9-25 score.

Refusing to back down, the Lady Red spikers came with renewed energy in the third set. San Beda put up a fierce fight, trading points with Arellano and even taking the lead at critical moments. However, the Lady Chiefs maintained their composure and managed to outlast San Beda in a tight 23-25 finish.

In the fourth set, the Lady Red Spikers battled to force a decider, matching Arellano’s intensity with key offensive plays and solid defense. 

The match remained closely contested, with teams trading blow-for-blow of 15-14 in favor of the Lady Red Spikers.

However, the Lady Chiefs capitalized on crucial opportunities and delivered the final blows, sealing an 18-25 defeat for San Beda.

With this loss, the Lady Red Spikers will look to regroup and refine their strategies as they prepare to face the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Lady Bombers on March 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the LPU Gym, determined to secure their first win of the season.

(with Paris Isaac Falcone)

Set Scores:  

San Beda – AU: 25-22, 9-25, 23-25, 18-25

Box Scores:

San Beda (1): Habacon 21, Cañete 10, Berdural 6, Molina 5, Bachar 4, Hiponia 3, Cagalawan  1, Espina 1, Navarro 1

AU (3): Villaflores 15, De Guzman 14, Tiratira 10, Tudlasan  9, Mangubat 7, Domasig 6, Padillon 2, Punzalan 2, Magaling 1