Arellano University showed its championship composure as it outlasted Colegio de San Juan de Letran in a five-set thriller, 25-19, 19-25, 25-21, 22-25, 16-14, on Friday in the NCAA Season 101 men’s volleyball tournament at the San Andres Gym in Manila.
The Knights were at match point, 14-12, before a heated moment between the two teams briefly halted play. The match quickly resumed, and a net fault challenge by Letran ultimately favored Arellano, allowing the Chiefs to save a match point.
Jiwen Sinuto then tied the set before CJ Dominguito delivered a crosscourt hit to give Arellano the lead.
Sinuto eventually sealed the victory for the Chiefs.
Dominguito finished with 24 points, all from attacks, along with 12 digs. Sinuto added 22 points, while AC Guinto chipped in 16 points and 15 receptions.
Setter Laurence Andrei Salvo orchestrated the offense with 29 excellent sets out of Arellano’s 32.
The win spoiled strong performances from Letran’s Vince Himzon, who scored 23 points, and Bembem Bautista, who tallied 19 points along with 10 receptions and five digs.
With the victory, Arellano improved to 8-4, securing a spot among the top three teams in Pool B and clinching a quarterfinal berth. The Chiefs will still face Emilio Aguinaldo College on Wednesday.
Letran, meanwhile, dropped to 6-6 and will take on San Beda University on Sunday in a crucial match that will determine its postseason fate.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
