By: Rom Anzures
Arellano University spoiled the comeback hopes of San Beda University after picking up a five set win, 25-23, 26-24, 22-25, 23-25, 16-14, to get its second straight win in the NCAA Season 98 Mens Volleyball at the San Andres Sports Complex on Wednesday.
Arellano’s Carl Berdal scored an impressive 34 points, 33 of which came from attacks.
The Chiefs were off to a strong start, winning the first two sets, but the Red Spikers fought back with a fierce third and fourth set run, forcing the game into a game-deciding fifth set – the first of its kind in the season.
The deciding set was a nail-biting affair, with both teams battling fiercely for the lead. Arellano was down 14-13 when they scored three consecutive points to secure the victory. Clarence Guinto scored the match point with back-to-back attacks, putting the Braves on top.
Kim Vincent Tan contributed 16 points, while Clarence Guinto put up 14, all from attacks, for the Chiefs.
Despite being a young team with only five holdovers from Season 95, Arellano head coach Sherwin Meneses commended his squad’s composure during San Beda’s runs.
“Siyempre number one, mag-execute kami ng tama, ‘wag mag bigay ng bonus points, kasi siyempre mga sabik mag laro to (dahil kababalil lang) after pandemic eh,” said Meneses. “Yung mga bata, lumaban hanggang sa dulo.”
San Beda was led by the quartet of Justine Santos (19 points), Ryan Rosman (18), Ralph Cabalsa (17), and Ken Umali (16) but fell short in their comeback efforts.
With their second straight victory, Arellano improved to 2-0 in the standings, while San Beda has a 1-1 record — tied with Emilio Aguinaldo College and College of Saint Benilde who squared off later in the day.
The Generals earned their first win of the season with a sweep of the Blazers, 25-14, 25-22, 25-23.
Despite the Blazers’ nine blocks, the Generals were able to overcome them with 41 attacks. Head coach Rodrigo Palmero credited their preparations for their performance, saying, “Pinractice naman namin ‘yan. Sabi ko sa kanila, lahat ng gagawin nila especially sa pag atake, di nila kailangan pigilan eh. Malakas silang pumalo.”
Marvin Romero led the Generals with 14 points, 12 of which came from attacks, followed by Joshua Ramilo’s 10 points. Ryan Daculan top-scored for the Blazers with 12 points, while Roniey Adviento and Leonard Jaboli scored six points each.
