Arellano University is having a rollercoaster campaign in the NCAA Season 101 men’s volleyball tournament.
After opening with three straight victories, the Chiefs closed the second phase of the classification round with a 5-4 record, nearly putting their title defense in jeopardy. However, Arellano bounced back in its group and won all its remaining matches to finish atop the standings.
In the quarterfinals, the Chiefs defeated San Sebastian. In the semifinals, however, they dropped Game 1 against Mapua University.
On Friday, Arellano regrouped and forced a decider, moving within one win of another finals appearance.
For team captain Jiwen Sinuto, the approach is simple: take each match—and each stage of the tournament—one step at a time.
“Sabi ko po sa kanila, step by step lang,” Sinuto told GMA News Online after winning Game 2 of the semis against Mapua University.
“Hindi naman tayo bibigyan ng madali ng Mapua na panalo kasi lalaban din ‘yan at kilala din namin kalibre nila.”
Their journey last season also serves as motivation as they head into the decider.
The Chiefs previously faced a twice-to-beat disadvantage—also against Mapua—but still advanced to the finals and eventually captured their first championship.
“‘Yun nga po, nung una medyo pinanghihinaan kami ng loob, pero sabi ko sa kanila, hindi pa naman tapos kasi Game 1 pa lang ‘yun eh. Parang nung last year, tagilid nga kami, pero nagawa namin silang talunin nang dalawang beses,” he said.
“Sabi ko, hindi imposible ‘yun, kaya gawin ulit natin. Trabaho lang ulit.”
Now possibly in his final playing year, Sinuto hopes to deliver another title for Arellano.
“Gusto ko sana bago umalis, mag-champion ulit. Ang sarap sa feeling noon ‘di ba? Bago ako mag-exit, champion [ulit].”
Arellano will face Mapua University in the deciding Game 3 of the semifinals on Sunday.
—GMA Integrated News
