Arellano University and Colegio de San Juan de Letran are set to write the next chapter of their rivalry in the NCAA Season 101 men’s volleyball tournament.
The Chiefs and the Knights, who battled in last year’s finals, with Arellano emerging victorious for its breakthrough title, are grouped together in Group B alongside Lyceum of the Philippines University, San Beda University, and Emilio Aguinaldo College.
All eyes will be on Arellano and Letran as they clash in an early rematch on opening day, scheduled for January 23 at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
Arellano’s bid for a repeat championship will lean on the experience of veterans Jiwen Sinuto, AC Guinto, Jake Pangilinan, Daniel Agovida, and former EAC standout Ervin Osabel, with head coach Bryan Vitug remaining at the helm.
However, replicating last season’s success will not come easy for the Chiefs, who must adjust following the graduation of key players Carl Berdal, Adi Villados, and Penny Curamen.
Letran, on the other hand, will parade an intact core led by John Wayne Araño, Vince Himzon, Bembem Bautista, Christer Ambrocio, Andrew Abeto, Felix Bermido, and Dave Lardizabal as the Knights look to avenge their finals loss last season.
San Beda also enters the tournament with a veteran-laden lineup bannered by Axel Van Book, Arnie Bakil, Ralph Cabalsa, Dominic Castañeda, Alener Munsing, and Ryan Rosman, as the Red Spikers aim to reclaim their former glory.
The Red Spikers last reached the Final Four in Season 98, where they advanced to the championship round against eventual four-peat champions Perpetual.
Completing Group B are Lyceum and EAC, both ushering in new leadership. Ciarnelle Wanta takes over as head coach of the Pirates, while Melchor Santos assumes the reins for the Generals.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
