Arellano University continued its late push for a Final Four ticket as it overcame upset-seeking Emilio Aguinaldo College, 24-26, 25-17, 25-20, 25-20, in the NCAA Season 99 women's volleyball tournament on Friday at Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Pauline De Guzman remained steady for the Lady Chiefs with a team-high 17 points while Laika Tudlasan provided the lift with 15 markers as they improved to 5-3 for the solo fourth spot.
The Lady Chiefs, who had a shaky start to the season but are now regaining their form, took advantage of an error-plagued EAC in the fourth set as they built a 19-13 lead after a Rhea Magalona service error.
However, the Lady Generals staged a small run with three straight points led by Cath Almazan and Jen Omapas to cut their deficit to just three, 19-16. Tudlasan then unleashed a cross court kill for a 22-17 cushion while De Guzman's own attack sent Arellano to the match point, 24-20.
Alex Razonable, who has been in the starting roster for two straight games now, went wide on her attack to end the long rally as Arellano picked up its fifth win in eight games.
Almazan and Razonable led EAC with 19 points apiece while Omapas chipped in eight as they fell to 0-8, a loss away from finishing the season with a winless slate.
Arellano will close out its elimination round bid on Tuesday against JRU while EAC will take on Final Four hopeful Perpetual on Sunday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
