Arellano Chiefs remain perfect, nip JRU for third straight win in NCAA 95

Arellano University turned back Jose Rizal University with a balanced offensive charge, coming away with a hard-earned 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16 victory in the NCAA Season 95, Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

Jesrael Liberato, Christain Dela Paz, and Christian Segovia became the three-headed blade of the Chiefs’ spear, with the troika punishing the Heavy Bombers in the four-set conquest that lasted for over an hour and a half.

With this, Arellano has kept its record intact at 3-0, forging a joint-first place standing with also-unscathed Perpetual.

Liberato came through with 16 points anchored on 12 attacks and four blocks. Dela Paz and Segovia complimented him on the offensive end, supplementing 14 and 12 markers, respectively.

Kim Vincent Tan and Demy Lapuz made their presence felt as well, chiming in eight points apiece. Jethro Cabillan supplied seven markers. For his part, Edmark Meneses generated Arellano’s offense with 16 excellent sets while collecting 10 excellent digs.

The Chiefs had a slim edge in the attacking department, 56 to 54. But they capitalized on their blocking and aces, putting up a 15-4 and 3-2 differential, respectively.

Still, Arellano head coach Sherwin Meneses felt displeased with the way his wards came out of the gates, citing their reception as the culprit.

“‘Yung first three sets namin medyo hindi naging maganda eh. Medyo ‘yung receive namin hindi naging maayos. Pero siyempre, ‘yung JRU, nag-prepare rin sila, maganda nilaro nila. Buti nag-recover kami sa fourth set,” Meneses said.

On the other hand, Matthew Miguel’s game-high output of 18 points went to waste, as JRU fell to a 1-2 card — tied with San Sebastian. June Laxina managed 15 markers, while Jenneth Daynata had eight.

Arellano next face San Sebastian on Saturday, January 25, in a bid to preserve its pristine slate. Meanwhile, JRU will try to return to the winner’s circle when it collides with Lyceum on the same day. Both matches will be held at the same venue.