Arellano University opened its bid to defend the NCAA men’s volleyball crown with a composed four-set win over Colegio de San Juan de Letran, while Mapua University survived a grueling five-set duel against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Friday at San Andres Gym in Manila, marking a competitive start to NCAA Season 101.
The opening-day results gave early shape to the tournament’s group-phase race, where consistency and depth are expected to decide quarterfinal places in a compressed schedule.
Arellano Shows Champion’s Poise Against Letran
Defending champion Arellano leaned on late-set execution and defensive discipline to subdue Letran, taking the match 27-25, 26-24, 29-27, 25-20. Three of the four sets stretched well beyond the standard frame, but Arellano repeatedly found answers when points mattered most.
Jiwen Sinuto anchored the offense with 22 points, almost all coming from attacking lanes he carved through Letran’s blockers. Support came from CJ Dominguito, who finished with 17 points and anchored the back row with 21 excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
Letran pushed the champions to the limit behind Bembem Bautista’s 18-point outing and 17 points each from Vince Himzon and Dave Lardizabal. Yet in extended rallies, Arellano’s balance proved decisive, allowing them to close sets the way seasoned contenders do.
Mapua Outlasts Benilde in Opening-Day Thriller
Earlier, Mapua set the tone for the day’s drama by edging Benilde in a five-set encounter, 25-20, 22-25, 25-20, 25-27, 15-9. The match swung on momentum shifts, with neither side able to fully pull away until Mapua broke clear in the deciding set.
Arjay Ramos delivered a match-high 23 points, combining 18 attacks with four blocks, an ace, and steady floor defense. Barbie San Andres added 13 points, helping Mapua withstand Benilde’s late surge in the fourth set.
Benilde stayed competitive behind Reymark Betco’s 21 points and steady contributions from John Austero with 12. Reigning MVP Rocky Motol finished with eight points, a muted start that reflected how tightly contested the match became.
Early Signals in the Group Phase
The NCAA’s group format places a premium on early wins, and Friday’s results offered a glimpse of how thin the margins may be. Arellano’s ability to navigate deuce sets suggested continuity from its Season 100 title run, while Mapua’s resilience hinted at a squad comfortable in pressure-packed finishes.
Both Letran and Benilde, though opening with losses, showed enough firepower to remain factors as the group stage progresses. With all matches set at San Andres Gym, the familiar setting is expected to amplify rivalries and reward teams that can quickly adjust.
Community Energy and Affordable Sport
Beyond the standings, the opening day underscored the NCAA’s role in Manila’s sporting life. With ticket prices typically below PHP 200, the games drew students, alumni, and neighborhood fans, turning the gym into a shared space of school pride and accessible entertainment.
As NCAA Season 101 unfolds, the opening matches served as a reminder that collegiate volleyball, much like a long rally, is won through patience, depth, and timely execution—qualities already on display from the tournament’s first whistle.
