by Kristel Satumbaga

Game Today (The Arena, San Juan City)

4 p.m. – Perpetual vs Arellano

University of Perpetual Help tries to finish what it failed to close out last time as it aims for the NCAA women’s volleyball title against two-time defending champion Arellano University Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan City.

A win for the Lady Altas would complete the school’s triple crown campaign with its juniors and men’s squads having retained their titles last Friday.

Perpetual Help coach Macky Cariño admitted his stalwarts were pressured to deliver in Game 2 that led to their downfall, 23-25, 25-9, 25-18, 22-25, 15-12. They took the opener, 21-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20.

“Sobrang kinabahan yung mga bata nung nakita nilang nanalo na yung juniors and men’s,” said Cariño. [They felt the pressure when they saw our juniors and men’s teams win.]

Cariño added they focused on improving their mental toughness rather than skills when they prepared for the rubber match.

“Encouragement ang kailangan nila para tumibay ang looba,” said Cariño, adding his players needed to relax in order to duplicate their Game 1 performance. [They need encouragement for mental toughness.]

First best outside spiker Cindy Imbo continues to banner the Lady Altas’ attack, but will have her hands full as Arellano parades a lineup brimming with championship experience led by season MVP Necole Ebuen and Princess Bello, who finished with 18 points each, along with Regine Arocha and Carla Donato.

Perpetual seeks its first crown since 2015 while Arellano guns for a three-peat.

Tags: Arellano University , Carla Donato , Cindy Imbo , NCAA , NCAA Season 94 , NCAA women’s volleyball , Necole Ebuen , Perpetual Help , Regine Arocha , Triple Crown