The Arellano Chiefs live to fight another day after dispatching the Mapúa Cardinals in a heated four-set affair in the #NCAA100 men’s volleyball semifinals on Tuesday, June 3, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City. 

Despite falling in the first set, Arellano’s relentless defense (15 blocks compared to Mapúa’s 9) and disciplined offense forced Mapúa to commit costly errors (31 errors compared to Arellano’s 23) as they turned the tide from Set 2 onwards, 21-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-13.

Arellano relied on total team effort to beat No.2-ranked team in NCAA men’s volley, powered by best player of the game Arman Clarence Guinto’s 19-point outing comprising 14 attacks, four blocks, and an ace. 

In a post-game interview with GMA Regional TV News, the Guagua, Pampanga native said team dinners and a ton of game viewing to scout Mapúa’s tendencies were pivotal in crafting their semifinals game plan.

“Walang tigil na pananalig kay Lord, at todo viewing,” said Guinto. 

Carl Justin Bedral, Jake Pangilinan, and Jiwen Sinuto also chipped in solid contributions for the Bryan Vitug-coached squad, scattering 13, 11, and 11 respectively. 

Meanwhile, Season 100 top scorer and best server Barbie San Andres led the charge for the Cardinals with 23 total points in the losing cause. 

Beset with a twice-to-beat disadvantage, the Chiefs refused to end their centennial campaign in the semis, forcing a grudge match against the No. 2-seed Mapúa slated on Friday, June 6.