THE SAN BEDA Red Spikers absorbed a straight-sets loss against the reigning NCAA champions Arellano University (AU) Chiefs, 23–25, 20–25, 18–25, in the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Volleyball tournament at the San Andres Sports Complex on January 31.
San Beda kept the opening set close, trading points with the Chiefs before narrowly conceding, 25-23. AU capitalized on their momentum in the second set, tightening their defense and converting key plays to pull away, 25-20. The Chiefs continued to assert control in the third set, limiting the Red Spikers’ options and closing out the match, 25-18.
Despite the loss, Tahilludin reflected on how he responded after not being part of the starting six in the team’s previous game, emphasizing his determination to step up when given the opportunity.
“Yung first game namin, hindi ako ginamit na first six. So, dinidibdib ko and deserve ko na naman yung posisyon na yun kaya nung second game, ginawa ko talaga, binuhos ko yung energy ko, yung effort ko,” he shared.
He also stressed the team’s trust in the coaching staff’s decisions as they continue to adjust throughout the season.
“Pero kung ano mang decision ng coaches namin, doon kami susunod,” he added.
Looking ahead, the Red Spikers acknowledged that pressure and lapses in communication played a major role in their inability to challenge the Chiefs more effectively.
“Masyado kaming na-pressure kasi, nung first set pa lang sabog na kami,” he admitted.
Echoing the coaching staff’s assessment, he pointed out that while the team has strong individual talent, improvement in teamwork remains a priority.
“Sinabi nga ng coach namin na [as] individuals malakas kami, kulang lang sa teamwork ba, yung communication, yun yung importante—kulang sa communication, yun lang talaga,” he said.
With lessons learned from the defeat, the Red Spikers now turn their focus to strengthening their chemistry and on-court communication as they prepare for their next game.
The Red Spikers return to action on February 3 as they face the Letran Knights at the same venue, aiming to bounce back and regain momentum in NCAA Season 101.
Set Scores: San Beda – AU: 23-25, 20-25, 18-25
Box Scores:
San Beda (0): Book 10, Bakil 7, Cabalsa 7, Rosman 7, Tahiluddin 6, Ignacio 4, Munsing 4, Castañeda 2
AU (3): Sinuto 14, Dominguito 14, Pangilinan 13, Agovida 6, Guinti 6, Salvo 2, Garcia 1