THE Arellano University volleyball program achieved a huge milestone by the end of NCAA Season 100.
The school captured first-ever championships in both the men and girls’ tournaments as the country’s Grand Old League closed the curtain on its centennial celebration.
The men’s team took the cue from its girls’ counterpart behind Carl Berdal, who came through with 16 points in the Chiefs’ 24-26, 25-21, 25-15, 25-17 win over the Letran Knights for a two-game sweep of their title series at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Arellano Chiefs end drought
“Nagbunga rin lahat ng hirap at sakripisyo na pinagdaanan ng team at ng coaching staff,” said Berdal after playing his final game with the Chiefs.
It was the first ever volleyball title for the school’s men’s team since entering the league in 2009.
Berdal was adjudged Finals MVP and will be among those graduating this season along with the core of the team that included setter Adrian Villados, hitters AC Guinto, Jiwen Sinuto, Jake Pangilinan, and middle blocker Anfernee Curamen.
Bryan Vitug was named Coach of the Year after guiding the No. 3 seeded Chiefs to two straight wins against twice-to-beat and top-seeded Mapua Cardinals in the Final Four.
"We couldn't have accomplished this without the support of the school, the Cayco family, the team management, the students, and the entire Arellano community," said Vitug, who led the team to a title right in his rookie season.
Earlier, Arellano reigned supreme in the girls’ division behind Samantha Maranan as it survived University of Perpetual Help Dalta in five grueling sets, 21-25, 15-25, 25-16, 25-11, 15-4.
Maranan produced a game-high 30 attacks for 31 points for the Lady Braves, who battled back from two sets down in completing a two-game sweep of the title series.
Catherine Cau backed up Maranan with 19 points built around 17 kills, while Justine Galaga added 14 points to help the Lady Braves afloat throughout.
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