Pau De Guzman and Laika Tudlasan flaunted their prowess as Arellano University stunned University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 22-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-12, to bolster their playoff hopes in the NCAA Season 99 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday.
The third-year De Guzman poured in a team-high 17 points anchored on 12 attacks, three aces, and two blocks while the sophomore Tudlasan, who bucked off a back injury early in the season, churned out 16 markers.
The win was a crucial one for the Lady Chiefs as it allowed them to improve to 4-3, forging a two-way tie at the fourth spot with the Lady ALTAs.
In order to do so, Arellano shrugged off an opening set loss before getting their groove in the succeeding sets with Tudlasan bringing them to an 8-1 lead in the fourth, while De Guzman served up an ace for a pivotal 12-3 cushion.
The Las Piñas crew tried to mount a rampage, but the Lady Chiefs ended the match with an impressive 6-0 closing run instigated by Tudlasan and capped by a Mary Rhose Dapol attack error at the back row.
De Guzman said she is just embracing the role entrusted to her by the coaches and stressed the need for her to step up, especially during the times when Tudlasan was out.
"Kahit naman last season pa po, sinabihan na ako ni coach na kailangan na ako doon. And kailangan ko rin mag-step up kasi nawala si Laika," the 22-year-old De Guzman told GMA News Online shortly after the four-set clash.
(Even last season, coach told me they need me there. I need to step up as well because Laika was not there.)
De Guzman and Tudlasan had enough manpower support as middle blocker Fyahe Mangubat also finished in double digit with her 14 points while Harem Ceballos shone off the bench with eight markers, five of which she dropped in the fourth frame
The loss spoiled another huge outing from reigning MVP Dapol, who put together 20 points on 18 attacks, one block, and one ace on top of 12 receptions.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
