Arellano University pulled off a stunning upset against defending champions Perpetual Altas, outlasting them in a five-set thriller, 25-18, 22-25, 25-14, 21-25, 15-13, to secure their second win in NCAA Season 100 men's volleyball on March 7 at the LPU Gymnasium.
The Chiefs set the tone early, using a strong defense-to-offense transition led by Carl Berdal and middle blocker Agovida, shutting down the Altas’ system to claim the opening set with a seven-point margin, 25-18.
Despite a close 22-25 loss in the second set after a powerful Altas spike sealed the frame, Arellano responded with a dominant third set. A crucial 6-1 closing run left Perpetual scrambling, as the Chiefs ran away with a commanding 25-14 victory.
Perpetual fought back in the fourth, capitalizing on their championship chemistry to force a deciding set, 25-21.
With the match on the line, the Legarda-based squad refused to fold. Even after Perpetual reached double digits first in the final set, the Chiefs held their ground with a high-pressure defense. An unforced error from the Altas attacker handed Arellano the match point, and Adrian Villados delivered the knockout blow with a sharp setter dump, sealing the 15-13 victory.
The Arellano Chiefs put an end to the Altas' 15-game winning streak which take place on the game 3 finals of the season 98. while the Chiefs finally take their first win against the Perpetual since the Season 92.
Carl Berdal was hailed as the best player of the game, finishing with 21 points, 19 coming from attacks.
With momentum on their side, the high-morale Chiefs look to extend their winning run as they will face the Mapúa Cardinals on March 15 at their home court, AU-Main Gymnasium.
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