It might have taken a while, but finally the Arellano University Chiefs snagged a victory, taking down the De La Salle University Green Spikers in four sets, 24-26, 25-11, 26-24, 25-22, at the 2018 Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference, Saturday morning at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Losing most of its starters from last year’s NCAA run to the Finals, head coach Sherwin Meneses was pleased to take this opportunity to hone the skills of his new players. He shared, “Ang goal lang namin is mag-participate at magkaroon ng exposure.”
With pressure off their backs for most of the season, the Chiefs finally delivered in their final game, leaning on their net defense to stop a possible winless stint.
Arellano finished with 14 blocks, reading La Salle’s passing lanes and attacks well as the latter scour in the reception. The Legarda-based squad also used the opponent’s defense to mount counterattacks leading to 60 kills, especially in that huge second set domination.
To this, Meneses shared his elation. “Maganda yung ginalaw namin the past two games. Kahit na natalo kami sa UST. Tapos, nanalo nga kami [rito]. Kahit matalo ka ng sampung beses, basta maganda laro,” the former Adamson University standout added.
Christian Dela Paz got the job done, leading the Chiefs with 20 points off 16 attacks and four blocks. Fellow outside hitter Demmy Lapuz pinched in 19 markers.
Arellano finished their campaign at 1-8.
On the other hand, the Green Spikers ended at 2-7, with Kieffer Reyes leading the way at 13 points.
The Scores:
AU 3 – Dela Paz 20, Lapuz 19, Liberato 16, Segovia 13, Tan 5, Meneses 5, Domingo 1, Esguerra L.
DLSU 1 – Reyes 13, Bacon 12, Llige 12, Delos Reyes 6, Inocentes 5, Serrano 4, De Jesus 0, Balanog 0, Macaspac L, Sumalinog L.
