It was an emotion-filled day between San Beda University and the Arellano University as they close out their respective elimination round campaigns. In the end it was the semifinalists Chiefs that ended the day with the victory.
The Chiefs side finished the match in four sets, 17-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-12, to advance to the next round on a winning note, Tuesday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Opposite hitter Jesrael Liberato was unstoppable at the right side, producing 16 markers, 15 of which coming from attacks. Captain CJ Segovia and Christian Dela Paz also finished in double figures at 16 and 11 points, respectively.
Paying tribute to late head coach Nes Pamilar, the Red Spikers played with nothing-to-lose attitude and mounted an early 6-0 run, which they ultimately needed to dominate the opening set.
From the second set onward, however, the Chiefs turned it up on defense and ended the game with 11 blocks, four of which came from skipper Segovia.
At the start of game, head coach Sherwin Meneses warned the boys of complacency and reminded them that they needed this win to boost their morale going forward. “Siyempre, competition pa rin ‘to. Kailangan pa rin lumaro ng maayos.
“Patapos na ‘yung season eh, kailangan lumabas na lahat ng tinrain namin buong season. Tsaka yung consistency dapat makita,” he added.
The Chiefs, which ended at 7-2 at the end of elims, looks to do better when they face either Emilio Aguinaldo College or College of Saint Benilde in the semifinals.
One skill of note is the first ball delivery. “Yung service-receive namin,” the long-time mentor said. “Dun kasi nagsisimula lahat sa opensa.”
San Beda, which was led by captain Angelo Torres with 13 points, ends up at 2-8.
The Scores:
AU 3 – Liberato 18, Segovia 16, Dela Paz 11, Cabillan 9, Tan 8, Meneses 3, Encila 2, Villados 1, Malansan 0, Lapuz 0, Caccam 0, Arellano L, Esguerra L.
SBU 1 – Torres 13, Losa 12, Bursiddik 8, Lapurga 7, Daquil 5, Amagan 4, Decano 3, Muallil 0, Estavillo 0, Tibay L.
