Arellano University preserved its spotless record so far in the NCAA Season 101 men's volleyball tournament after blanking Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-22, 25-21, 27-25, on Tuesday at San Andres Sports Complex.
The veteran tandem of AC Guinto and Jiwen Sinuto conspired as the Chiefs surged to a 2-0 start in Group B while the Pirates fell to a 0-2 card.
Outside spiker Guinto scattered a team-high 17 points built on 14 attacks, two blocks, and one ace and posted 12 receptions while team captain and opposite hitter Sinuto dropped 13 markers.
But the defending champions were tested in the third frame with LPU trimming the gap to a solitary point after transferee Ervin Osabel misfired on his attack from the left wing, 21-20.
Daniel Agovida then completed a quick play with authority before CJ Dominguito soared above two blockers to make it a 23-21 cushion for Arellano.
Dominguito clinched the first match point for the Chiefs off a push, 24-23, but a service error from Laurence Salvo allowed LPU to force a deadlock and an extension.
Rogel De Guzman shattered the Arellano net defense to force another deadlock at 25-all, but a net touch and an attack error from LPU saw the Chiefs racing to the straight-sets victory.
Earlier, a rejigged San Sebastian College-Recoletos likewise surged to a 2-0 start in Group A after pulling off a reverse sweep against Mapua University, 18-25, 17-25, 25-23, 25-13, 15-9.
The veteran-rookie pair of Kyle Villamor and Eilemar Dullete fronted the escape with the former erupting for 26 points anchored on 23 attacks, two aces, and one block while the latter churned out 20 markers.
Dullete also had nine digs and 20 receptions for an all-around outing, helping the Stags improve to 2-0 in their group while the Cardinals fell to an even 1-1 card.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
