Arellano University needed just three sets to bounce back from a previous loss as it swept San Beda University, 25-19, 25-19, 25-18, in the NCAA Season 99 women's volleyball tournament on Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The Lady Chiefs, who were coming off a tough four-set defeat at the hands of Lyceum of the Philippines University, improved its record to an even 2-2 while the Lady Red Spikers fell to 1-3.
Moming Padillon was the unlikely hero for Arellano as sophomore ace Laika Tudlasan continued to ride the bench after suffering a back injury before the season.
Padillon cut San Beda’s momentum and powered a 4-0 rampage that gave the former three-time defending champion an early 8-4 cushion in the third frame.
San Beda, though, continued to rally behind Angel Habacon's brilliance as the rookie sensation poured in back-to-back attacks to make it a three-point affair anew, 15-12.
However, the Obet Javier-mentored crew displayed its depth with Mauie Magaling and Heart Villaflores doing the damage in the endgame while the returning team captain Dodee Batindaan denied Habacon on the left wing for the match point, 24-18.
Villaflores then broke down the wall off a KC Adante pass to put the seal.
Padillon led Arellano with 12 points and six digs while Batindaan, who missed their last game, returned with 11 points anchored on nine attacks and two blocks.
Magaling chipped in 10 markers while Pau De Guzman chimed in with eight.
The loss spoiled another stellar outing from Habacon, who tallied 21 points built on 18 attacks, two aces, and one block.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
