Sophomore Vince Himzon starred as Colegio de San Juan de Letran carved out a 24-26, 25-17, 25-20, 25-19 victory against Arellano University in the NCAA Season 99 men's volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the San Andres Sports Complex.
Himzon, the reigning Rookie of the Year and top Middle Blocker, put together 21 points anchored on 17 attacks and four blocks as the Brian Esquibel-mentored Knights opened their campaign with a 1-0 card while the Chiefs, who were coming off a Final Four run last season, went 0-1.
Already enjoying a 2-1 lead, the Knights refused to ease on the gas pedal in the fourth frame after cruising to a commanding 17-11 cushion following a Namron Caballero attack.
The Chiefs, however, put up a fightback with Anfernee Curamen and Arman Guinto leading the charge as they trimmed the deficit to just three, 17-20. Himzon then answered with a dunk-like attack followed by Steven Sta. Maria's backrow hammer for a 22-17 lead.
John Lorenzo soared from the opposite side to deliver the match point, 24-18, before Guinto saved one for Arellano after a powerful kill. But Guinto's own service error ultimately took the fight out of the Sherwin Meneses-helmed Arellano as Letran snatched the victory.
Sta. Maria finished with 15 alongside five digs while Lorenzo chipped in 14 markers. Guinto top-scored Arellano with 17 points and 14 receptions while Curamen added 12 in the losing effort.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
