PHILIPPINE Merchant Marine School Mariners turned back the Arellano University, 27-29, 25-21, 25-15, 25-18, right at its rival’s home turf in Legarda, Manila, to advance to the best-of-three finals of the 16th National Capital Region Athletic Association men’s volleyball tournament.

The Mariners meet the Rizal Technological University Blue Thunders in Game 1 at 10 a.m. today at the TIP gym in Quiapo, Manila.

The Blue Thunders earned an outright finals slot after they swept their eight-game elimination-round assignment.

After the Chiefs took charge in the first set, the Mariners maintained their composure in the next two of their 80-minute encounter in this varsity spikefest backed by Mikasa and Molten Balls, and www.philspike.com.

The Mariners moved out of reach in the third set, where the Chiefs crumbled into maze off errors in the face of their foes’ tight defense at the net. They capitalized on the Chiefs’ reception errors and took a decisive 14-7 edge from a close 10-6 lead.

“This is all about teamwork. Hindi kami nagmadali, kaya nakapag-focus kami at nakagawa ng mga plays,” said Mariners coach Levi Socorro.

In the final set, blocks by Niño Papa and Ian Lambusan allowed the Mariners to keep their distance, 20-14, after the Chiefs last threatened, 13-15.

Earlier, the Emilio Aguinaldo College Lady Generals repulsed the Arellano Lady Chiefs, 24-26, 25-20, 25-23, 18-25, 15-8, to earn the right to face the Rizal Tech Lady Thunders for the second finals seat in the women’s side.

Booming serves by Donna Mae Factor enabled the Lady Generals to grab the upperhand, 7-2, in the fifth set. Peter Atencio