Sam Tiratira came alive in the final stretch to steer Arellano University to a 30-28, 25-21, 25-19 win over Lyceum of the Philippines University in NCAA Season 101 women's volleyball on Saturday at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
The sophomore middle blocker poured in 17 points built on 13 attacks and four blocks as the Lady Chiefs snapped their two-game skid and improve to 4-6 in Group A.
Tiratira's rejection on Joann De Guzman capped off a furious 8-1 start for Arellano in Set 3 before three straight quick kills from her made it a comfortable 20-12 cushion.
An ace from Sheena Cafe and an attack error from LPU saw Arellano secure the match point at 24-15, but the Lady Pirates mounted a scare by unleashing a 4-0 run capped by a Johna Dolorito kill from the left side.
However, that was the closest LPU could get as Moming Padillon spoiled their rally by burying the game-winning hammer to help Arellano recover from its back-to-back losses to San Sebastian College-Recoletos and Mapua University.
Padillon finished with nine points as Arellano got enough help from its bench with Cassey Florida, Kheisha Abitria, and Fhaye Mangubat all contributing six points.
Dolorito and Ashely Muchillas paced LPU with 17 and 12 markers, respectively, with the former also grabbing six digs and four receptions.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
