Caught in a stacked race for a Final Four spot, the Arellano University Chiefs started 2017 off with a rousing win over the Jose Rizal University Bombers 25-22, 25-18, 25-19 in the NCAA Season 92 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After ending 2016 with a loss to the San Beda College Red Spikers, Arellano got back on their feet at the expense of the struggling JRU.
“Maganda nga din sguro na pagbalik namin galing break hindi masyadong mabigag ‘yung kalaban namin,” said Chiefs head coach Sherwin Meneses who said that he only gave a few days off to his wards during the near three-week holiday layoff.
“Hindi talaga kami masyadong nagpahinga ngayon kasi alam din naman ng mga players kung gaano kaimportante sa amin ang season na ito at kung gaano kaimportante na ready kami lagi,” added Meneses.
JRU made a stand early in the match, keeping the first set close. But the Bombers allowed Arellano to breakaway from a deadlock and claim a 22-17 lead. The second and third sets saw a slaughter as the Chiefs piled on double-digit leads in each set to close the match.
“Last year, muntik na kami maka-Final Four ng team na ‘to kaso kinapos lang. This year alam na nila ‘yung kailangan para manalo kaya tuloy-tuloy lang kami sa trabaho,” closed Meneses.
Kevin Liberato led the Chiefs with 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks. Benrasid Latip added 10 markers.
Arellano clashes with fellow contenders Saint Benilde Blazers (5-1) next Wednesday.
No Heavy Bomber broke double-digits with Ronaldo Dampitan amassing nine points.
JRU (1-6) takes a two-week break, taking on the Letran Knights (2-4) on January 18.
The Scores:
AU (3) – Liberato 14, Latip 10, Bajen 9, Cabillan 7, Dela Paz 7, Soriano 2, Meneses 1, Santo 0, Arellano (L), Blanco (L)
JRU (0) – Dampitan 9, Lahaylay 8, Sulivas 6, Rabaja 4, Sioco 4, Estacio 3, Castillo 0, Francisco 0, Defensor (L), Flor (L)
