Arellano University completed their final assignment, sweeping the Letran Knights in four historic sets, 24-26, 25-21, 25-15, 25-17, to clinch their first-ever #NCAA100 Men’s Volleyball title in Game 2 of the Finals on June 11 at the PlayTime FilOil Centre.
This victory ended their 16-year title drought, marking a historic championship run after a dominant Finals sweep.
A tight opening frame saw both teams trading points, keeping the set neck-and-neck. Letran reached set point first, but Arellano responded with a crucial 4-0 run to level the score at 24. However, the Chiefs fell short of sealing the comeback as the Knights held firm to take the first set.
The opening loss only fueled the Chiefs’ momentum. Using their Game 1 confidence and a re-energized offense, the tandem of Guinto and Curamen ignited a series of attacks in the second set. They tallied the final four points to give the Chiefs breathing room and level the match at one set apiece.
The third set was all Arellano. With energy and confidence on their side, the Chiefs' lead ballooned to double digits, reaching 21-11. Carl Justin Berdal went into beast mode, delivering a massive block to seal the frame and give the Chiefs a 2-1 advantage, firing up the crowd and bringing them closer to the championship.
With composure running through their veins, the Chiefs dominated the fourth set. Graduating player Carl Berdal dropped two crucial points from a powerful down-the-line hit and a quick strike off a gift ball to push the Chiefs closer to glory. Adi Villados then fired a service ace to bring the score to 23.
Tears welled up in Berdal’s eyes as an attack error from Letran handed Arellano the championship point. In the next play, Villados set up middle blocker Jake Pangilinan for the final blow, sealing the deal for Arellano and completing their first-ever NCAA title run since joining the league.
Villados, the team captain, delivered a masterclass performance in his final collegiate game, dishing out 23 excellent sets along with seven points, earning him Player of the Game honors.
Carl Justin Berdal, unable to hold back his emotions, was named Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP), capping off his collegiate career on a high note. Meanwhile, rookie head coach Bryan Vitug was named Coach of the Year in his debut season.
- Carl Stephen I. San Juan
