Mapua University slammed the door on Arellano University's title repeat hopes, carving out a stunning 25-21, 25-20, 25-20 win in Game 3 of their NCAA Season 101 men's volleyball Final Four clash on Sunday at the EAC Gym.
The Cardinals beamed with confidence right from the get-go, sending the Chiefs packing and arranging a historic finals date with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde starting April 5 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
It also served as sweet revenge for Mapua, which was knocked out by the Chiefs in last year’s semifinals despite holding a twice-to-beat advantage.
This time, the Cardinals made sure the story ended differently.
The win saw a collective effort for Mapua with Arjay Ramos top-scoring with 20 points laced with 21 receptions while the graduating pair of Barbie San Andres and Alvin Macadangdang each poured in 11 markers.
But the real star of the game was rookie setter King Mangulabnan, who delivered 27 excellent sets to masterfully orchestrate Mapua’s offense en route to securing a finals ticket.
"Napakasaya kasi nu'ng eliminations talagang struggle din 'yung team. Sobrang bumaba 'yung performance. Sabi namin, ayaw na sana namin mangyari 'yung last year," Mapua head coach Aying Esteban said.
"Pinakita naman ng mga bata na gustong-gusto nilang manalo itong taon na 'to."
Mapua unleashed its middle blockers early in Set 1 with Macadangdang and Adrian Musni fueling a 5-3 run to draw first blood as the Chiefs struggled to find their rhythm, converting just nine attacks in the opening frame.
Mapua pulled away early in Set 2 as Macadangdang fired back-to-back quick kills that sent the Cardinals to a 22-16 lead while Ramos was unfazed by a triple block to close out the set and send the Cardinals to a commanding 2-0 lead.
Musni and Ramos took turns to create a 17-13 separation for Mapua in the third frame, but the Chiefs weren’t out of it yet as Daniel Agovida and AC Guinto rallied to pull Arellano within three, 20-17.
San Andres converted two points as part of a 3-1 run before they seized a 24-19 cushion following a costly service miscue from Guinto. Musni then put the icing on the cake, hammering a quick attack off a perfect set-up from Mangulabnan.
Mapua's win brought the school closer to its first title since the 2001-2002 season.
For Arellano, Jiwen Sinuto led the way with 14 points as CJ Dominguito, who exploded for 20 points in Game 2, was limited to just three markers today.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
