The Arellano University Chiefs stayed on top of the NCAA Season 93 Men’s Volleyball standings, surging to their fifth straight win after slashing the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, 25-18, 25-21, 21-25, 25-17 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Chiefs had another straight-set victory in sight until a error-filled third set swung to the Pirates’ favor. According to Chiefs head coach Sherwin Meneses, his team suffered from a spell of complacency which he hoped they grow out of.
“Sabihin na nating minsan, medyo nagre-relax talaga o nagiging over-confident ang players. Nangyayare talaga ‘yun pero, siyempre, ayaw mong magtuloy-tuloy ‘yun sa mga susunod na laban,” said Meneses who admitted his team still has ways to go, especially with their defensive skills.
Demy Lapuz led the Chiefs with 17 points while Kevin Liberato and Joseph Cabillan each tallied 14 markers.
The Chiefs get a chance to claim the solo lead when they face the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas (5-0) on Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Joeward Presnede topped the Pirates with 15 points while Jhonel Badua added 14.
The Pirates (1-4) take on Final Four contenders San Beda Collega (3-1) on Wednesday also at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
AU (3) – Lapuz 17, Cabillan 14, Liberato 14, Dela Paz 11, Segovia 4, Domingo 2, Soriano 2, Meneses 1, Arellano K. 0, Arellano T. 0, Liberato J. 0, Blanco (L), Esguerra (L)
LPU (1) – Presnede 15, Badua 14, Saporna 7, Lajara 6, Samonte 2, Ilano 1, Uy 1, Estranero 0, Rubio (L)
