ARELLANO University and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta forged a finals showdown after beating their respective foes Friday in the NCAA men’s volleyball tournament at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gym.
The Chiefs ended Letran’s three-year reign with a 25-23, 25-22, 25-23, win for a 2-0 record.
The Altas outlasted San Beda College, 18-25, 25-17 25-20, 25-21, to notch their second straight victory.
Chris Salvador and skipper John Lozada combined for 26 markers for Arellano, which is seeking to follow up its men’s beach volleyball crown conquest last September.
EJ Ramos had 13 points while John Rivadenera chipped in 11 hits for the Knights.
Marcelo Joaquin and Aldwin dela Cruz scored 14 hits apiece while Adam Daquer added 11 points for Perpetual Help.
Lorenzo Capate topscored for the Red Lions with 23 points.
Aside from the Altas, the juniors squad also advanced to the championship round to make up from the Lady Altas’ sorry exit in the season.
Perpetual Help, along with College of Saint Benilde, was disqualified after two of its players were found violating league rules for playing in an inter-village competition while the season is ongoing.
The women’s semifinals start on Monday, with defending champion San Sebastian College facing San Beda, and Letran meeting Emilio Aguinaldo College.
The Lioness and the Lady Generals, the main recipients of the Lady Blazers and the Lady Altas disqualification, will make their first-ever semifinals appearance. (TJ)
