The Arellano Chiefs shook the throne as they handed the defending champions, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, a stinging straight-sets sweep, 25-16, 28-26, 25-20, in the #NCAA100 Men’s Volleyball Tournament held on May 18 at the EAC Gymnasium in Ermita, Manila.
The Legarda-based squad made a loud statement against the reigning crown holders—this time leaving no room for a comeback. After a thrilling five-set victory over the Altas in the first round, the blue-gray-red squad returned stronger, sharper, and more cohesive. They refused to let the match go the distance, executing a swift and calculated finish to complete their revenge in dominant fashion—sweeping Perpetual for a 2-0 head-to-head record this season.
Following a dominant opening set, the AU Chiefs initially struggled to find their rhythm in Set 2, trailing slightly behind the Altas in the early exchanges. However, they kept the score tight and eventually grabbed their first lead at 17-16. Arellano reached set point at 24-23, but Perpetual’s championship composure showed as they forced a 26-all deadlock. Refusing to back down, Anfernee Curamen powered a spike straight to the floor to reclaim the lead, before opposite hitter Carl Justin Berdal sealed the set with a decisive kill, giving the Chiefs a crucial two-set advantage.
They carried their momentum into the third set to finish what they had started, shutting the door on any Perpetual comeback. Carl Justin Berdal, who was later hailed as the Best Player of the Game, led the way with an impressive 14 points—13 coming from powerful attacks. Alongside him was Anfernee Curamen, who anchored the net defense with a massive seven blocks out of his 13-point contribution.
With this key victory, the Chiefs solidified their hold on third place in the standings, boasting an 11–5 record and a two-game winning streak as they push deeper into the season.
The #pusongpAUlaban spirit burning brighter than ever, the Arellano Chiefs aim to close out the elimination round on a high note. They are set to face Emilio Aguinaldo College on May 21 and Lyceum of the Philippines University on May 27 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
- Carl Stephen San Juan
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