De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde survived a gallant fourth-set stand by Arellano University to complete a 25-21, 20-25, 25-23, 32-30 win in the NCAA Season 100 men's volleyball on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The Blazers overcame an early deficit in the fourth frame before unleashing an endgame composure to snap the Chiefs' three-game winning streak and improve to 11-2. Arellano, meanwhile, is now tied with Colegio de San Juan de Letran at third spot after dropping to a 9-5 card.
Lefty opposite hitter Jacob Herrera led the show with 19 points, including the game-winning attack, while middle blockers Mike Balbacal and John Austero chipped in 17 and 14 markers apiece.
James Marasigan also proved to be the game changer after churning out 13 points together with eight digs and 16 receptions.
Despite the crucial victory, Benilde head coach Arnold Laniog says his wards stay grounded and stressed they are taking it one game at a time, especially in the grueling two-round format.
"Ang Arellano, in terms of technical, mataas 'yung porsyento nila sa first attack nila and 'yung blocking nila. Actually, nu'ng first two sets controlled ng Arellano 'yung simula at nakakahabol lang kami," Laniog said.
"Itong fourth set dikdikan talaga and we're so happy na nakuha pa rin namin."
[Arellano, in terms of technical, they have a high percentage in their first attack and their blocking. Actually, in the first two sets, Arellano controlled the start and we had to catch up... This first set was back and forth and we're so happy we were able to get it.]
Arellano, which was fresh off three straight victories over Mapua University, San Beda University, and Jose Rizal University, secured the set point in fourth set after Carl Berdal unloaded one from the left wing, 24-23.
But Benilde refused to surrender with Marasigan going for the cross to bring the Taft crew to the match point at 30-29. Austero, though, went wide on his serve that allowed the Chiefs to force another deadlock.
Marasigan then soared for the down-the-line kill before Herrera's powerful spike from the right side sealed the key win for Benilde, who has now bolstered its hold of the second spot behind league-leading Mapua Cardinals.
AC Guinto paced Arellano with 19 points and 19 receptions while Berdal and Anfernee Curamen chipped in 15 and 13 markers each.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
