Grieving San Beda conquers Arellano in NCAA volleyball match-up

San Beda assistant coach Nemesio Gavin is glad that his team ended on a high note and shared that they played in honor of Coach Nes Pamilar. (Photo: Arellano University Sports – Official/Facebook)

San Beda University’s women’s volleyball team halted Arellano University eliminations sweep by defeating the Lady Chiefs in a five-set game last Tuesday, January 15 at the San Juan Arena to bring honor to the recent passing of their coach Nes Pamilar, who passed away days before his team’s National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) game. Pamilar’s assistant Ariel Dela Cruz took over head coaching duties for the team.

The set scores ended 16-25, 25-17, 25-19, 18-25, and 16-14 with the Lady Spikers being led by Nieza Viray, who contributed 17 points, 16 kills, and 19 digs. Team captain Cesca Racraquin added 16 hits, 15 digs, and 10 receptions, while Ela Viray provided her team 12 markers.

On the other hand, Nicole Ebuen led Arellano with 23 points, followed by Princess Bello and Regine Arocha who contributed 12 hits, 10 markets, 18 digs, and eight receptions respectively. The Lady Red Spikers were able to overcome their opponents’ 2-1 match advantage.

San Beda assistant coach Nemesio Gavin is glad that his team ended on a high note and shared that they played in honor of Coach Nes Pamilar, stating in Filipino, “[This game] is a huge boost for the morale of the girls. We saw that they’ve worked hard for it and the game resulted in something great.” Coach Nemesio stayed positive despite the Lady Spikers still not getting into the finals and finishing third seed. As for Arellano, the loss dropped them from first seed to second seed.

Prior to the game, Lady Chiefs head coach Obet Javier admitted expecting a tough game against San Beda saying that “it will probably be a great game,” adding, “We really prepared for Beda because we know that they are a caliber team this season.”

Both teams are waiting for the matchup between the University of Perpetual Help and Jose Rizal University to find out who they are facing for the league’s semi-finals.