After missing out on another Final Four appearance, the Arellano University Chiefs started NCAA Season 92 with a rousing sweep of the San Sebastian College Recolletos Golden Stags, 25-16, 25-20, 25-12, Wednesday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Chiefs were just too much for the Stags as they outgunned the latter in all aspects of the game. Arellano fired off 34 attacks, denied Baste’s 6 hits, and put up 7 aces.
However, what clicked for Arellano is their first ball. Head coach Sherwin Meneses said, “Umayos yung service receive namin, kasi last year yun yung problema namin.”
The Chiefs came through a tight 14-12 scoreline before pulling away for good in the third set. Former UP Maroon Christian Dela Paz made the service line his home before sending an ace to end the match.
John Cabillan led the charge with 12 markers, while middle hitter Kenneth Aliyacyac registered eight points. Libero John Christian Blanco had a great showing with 16 excellent receptions.
Only skipper Jahir Ebrahim got to double digits for the Stags with 11.
Meneses shared his optimism in Arellano’s chances. He said, “Nag-prepare naman kami, so kaya naman naming lumaban.”
The Scores:
AU (3) – Cabillan 12, Domingo 9, Aliyacyac 8, K. Liberato 5, J. Liberato 4, Latip 3, Dela Paz 2, Soriano 2, Meneses 1, Esguerra 1, Santo 0, Blanco L.
SSC-R (0) – Ebrahim 11, Calonia 5, Eugenio 3, Ronato 2, Lana 1, A. Onque 1, Lazaro 0, A. C. Onque 0, Lazaro L.
