The Arellano University Chiefs stayed on pace for the top spot in the NCAA Season 93 Men’s Volleyball standings after outmuscling the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 25-18, 21-25, 25-14, 25-22, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After a second-set hiccup, the Chiefs regained composure after a reminder from head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Sabi ko lang sa kanila na hindi puwedeng bigla na lang kami nagre-relax ng ganoon kasi importante lahat ng laban namin. Kailangan focused kami lagi,” said Meneses.
Arellano then dominated the last two sets, grabbing early leads in both and never looking back. Last season’s semifinalists outclassed their foes with steady blocking, netting 15 to JRU’s eight, and serving, delivering eight aces to the Bombers’ two.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy lang ‘yung ganitong laro namin kasi alam din namin na pahirap ng pahirap ‘yung mga laban namin this season,” Meneses added.
Kevin Liberato torched the Bombers with 16 points built on eight attacks, seven blocks, and an ace while Christian Segovia added 11 points which includes four rejections.
Wenjo Lahaylahay led JRU with 10 points, while Herman Salazar and Raymark Francisco managed nine markers, apiece.
Arellano (3-0) stakes their perfect start on Sunday when they face the Lyceum of the Philippines University (0-2) at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The Bombers (0-4) take on the undefeated University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (3-0) also on Sunday.
The Scores
AU (3) – Liberato 16, Segovia 11, Lapuz 10, Dela Paz 6, Meneses 6, Soriano 5, Cabillan 4, Liberato J. 2, Domingo 1, Arellano 0, Caccam 0, Blanco (L), Esguerra (L)
JRU (1) – Lahaylahay 10, Francisco 9, Salazar 9, Rabaja 6, Soriano 6, Cruz 2, Cebrero 1, Sulivas 1, Ferwelo 0, Defensor (L), Flor (L)
