Arellano University reasserted its mastery over San Beda University even after dropping Set 3, hacking out a 25-20, 25-17, 19-25, 25-21 win in the NCAA Season 101 men's volleyball on Tuesday at the EAC Gym.
The defending champions weathered a gritty stand from the Red Spikers to secure a crucial victory, pulling level with Emilio Aguinaldo College atop Group B with a 7-4 record. San Beda, on the other hand, dropped to third place after slipping to 7-5.
CJ Dominguito fronted Arellano's balanced attack with 19 points together with 18 receptions while team captain Jiwen Sinuto dazzled with 18 markers built on 15 attacks, two blocks, and one ace as the Chiefs rolled to their second win in a row.
After squeaking past San Beda in the first two sets, the Chiefs were silenced in Set 3 when Ralph Cabalsa sparked the rally for the Red Spikers as the veteran opposite spiker gave San Beda a 17-9 lead with his back-to-back hits.
Another kill from him stretched the lead to 24-19 before middle blocker Alener Munsing sent back a free ball, allowing San Beda to close out the frame. The Red Spikers managed to take the set even without star spiker Axel Van Book, who did not see action in Sets 3 and 4 after starting the match.
But Arellano's net defense clicked in Set 4 that spelled difference for the reigning champions.
Back-to-back rejections on Mohammad Tahiluddin towed Arellano to a 13-10 lead before AC Guinto and Jake Pangilinang joined forces to deny Cabalsa's attack from the opposite side, 21-17.
Then it was Arellano’s offense that put the finishing touch on the match with Bryan Cabrera firing the match point from the right side and Dominguito’s kill sneaking past Anrie Bakil’s hands to seal the victory.
Cabalsa paced San Beda with 21 points as Book finished with seven markers laced with three digs and eight receptions.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
