Arellano University flaunted its depth and might as it halted streaking San Beda University with a five-set escape, 18-25, 26-24, 27-25, 17-25, 15-11, in the NCAA Season 99 men's volleyball tournament on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Chiefs, who opened their campaign with a four-set defeat against Colegio de San Juan de Letran, have now won three straight games to improve to 3-1. The Red Spikers, meanwhile, slipped to an identical 3-1 slate.
Arellano overcame a shaky start in the first set, winning the next two frames to move on the verge of an upset against the erstwhile unbeaten San Beda.
The Red Spikers regrouped in the fourth behind Kevin Montemayor, Anrie Bakil, and rookie sensation Van Book as the Mendiola crew forced a decider.
Arellano, though, cruised to an early separation with an Anfernee Curamen rejection on Montemayor for a 4-2 lead before San Beda's middle blocker Alener Munsing tied things up at 10-all following back-to-back quick hits.
Jiwen Sinuto then answered from the opposite side while Curamen and AC Guinto sent them to a crucial 13-10 cushion. Guinto once again completed an attack before an error from San Beda gave Arellano the upset victory.
Sinuto led the way with 26 points while Curamen chipped in 15 markers. Guinto and Daniel Agovida each had 12-point outings while team captain Adrian Villados had 25 excellent sets.
Book was limited to just 16 points but also grabbed five digs while Munsing and Bakil churned out 15 and 13 apiece.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
