JRU, Arellano clash for last finals berth

Jose Rizal University tries to continue its giant-slaying ways as it shoots for a historic trip to the finals when it clashes with Arellano Sunday, July 17, in the final stepladder semis game of the NCAA women’s volleyball at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Bombers made history after posting their very first semifinal victory in the league at the expense of the San Sebastian Lady Stags, the No. 3 seeds, in a nerve-wracking 25-21, 18-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-19 squeaker Friday, July 15.

And if the Kalentong-based spikers could pull the rug anew from another fancied foe, this time the second-seeded Lady Chiefs, in their 2 p.m. encounter, they would achieve another first—a trip to the finals—against the top-seeded College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers.

CSB made it to the best-of-three finale after sweeping all its nine elimination-round games.

“Para ito sa JRU community,” said a teary-eyed JRU coach Mia Tioseco after achieving a milestone the last game.

Super seniors Renese Melgar and Dolly Versoza hope to extend their stay with JRU at least for another game as they try to carry the Lady Bombers anew after coming through last time with 18 and 16 points, respectively.

Sydney Mae Niegos is another JRU belle to watch out for after sneaking in 15 hits including some crucial kill blocks.

While JRU seeks a place in league history, AU is determined to make it to the finals and earn a shot at an amazing four-peat feat.