The Arellano University Chiefs bucked a set loss to upend the gritty Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights in four sets, 25-10, 25-18, 18-25, 25-18, and keep their unblemished slate at four, Thursday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Chiefs and the Knights exchanged powerful attacks once they get a good reception.
The Legarda-based spikers who took the upper hand in the department as the latter committed several miscues on the first ball.
Outside hitter John Cabillan fired off 11 of Arellano’s 40 attacks to lead the tribe. Setter Edmark Meneses steered the offense with 35 excellent sets.
However, it was the Chief’s blocking that really put a dent in Letran’s play, as they denied 13 of the opponents’ spike attempts. Kevin Liberato led the patrolling at the net with six rejections.
Middle hitter Kenneth Aliyacyac shared that the team has focused on their first ball and it has been working so far. He said, “Nagfo-focus din po kami sa service-receive talaga; lagi kami nagka-counter.”
When asked about their upcoming rematch with the San Beda Red Spikers, the lanky central attacker said, “Wala naman po na special. Pag nakalabanan namin sila, magawa lang namin yung dapat gawin sa court.”
Only Bobby Gatdula scored in double digits for the Intramuros squad, with 17 points.
The grudge match between the Chiefs (4-0) and the Red Spikers (3-1) is slated on Wednesday, December 7. On the other hand, the Knights (1-3) will battle with defending champions Perpetual Altas (2-1) earlier that day.
The Scores:
AU (3) – Cabillan 14, Latip 12, Aliyacyac 11, Liberato 11, Domingo 8, Meneses 2, Soriano 1, Esguerra 0, Santo 0, Dela Paz 0, Blanco L, Arellano L.
CSJL (1) – Gatdula 17, Cistina 8, Reyes 6, Alilio 5, Sison 5, Ramos 1, Sarmiento 1, Dizon 0, Orsini 0, Ladeon 0, Almoguerra 0, Timbreza L, Centeno L.
