MORE than halfway into the first round, two schools have solidified their status as legitimate contenders in the NCAA Season 100 volleyball tournament.
Two heroes came in clutch for Letran and Mapua University to stay unbeaten through the midway point of the first round, but not without a strong challenge against fancied foes in their campaign to remain atop the 10-team field.
Letran Lady Knight Vanessa Sarie and Mapua Cardinal Arjay Ramos continued their stellar play to be awarded as the Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Players of the Week citation for the period of March 13 to 15.
Coming off a historic victory over College of St. Benildelast week, Letran pulled off a 25-18, 25-18, 26-24 sweep of Lyceum to remain unscathed through four outings.
Sarie’s all-around play of 16 points, all on attacks, with eight excellent digs and seven excellent receptions allowed Letran to solidify its hold on solo second place with a 4-0 win-loss record.
“Siyemprekumukuha kami ng lakas, first from God, and trina-trabahotalaganamin every training kaya lumalabassalaro ‘yungganoon, kaya ganitorinkinalabasannawala pa kamingtalo,” Sarie said, a rookie out of Naga College Foundation.
Thanks to the guidance of her elders who urged her to not be rattled despite a tough third set affair against the Lady Pirates, Sarie displayed remarkable composure to seal the Lady Knights’ sweep and fourth straight win.
“Huwagdaw kami ma-rattle at tiwalaannamin ‘yungisa’tisa at usap lang. ‘Yon langkailangannamingawin ‘eh. Kailangannaminmaghabol so kailangannamin mag-usapsaloob,” she added.
Sarie’s performance allowed her to edge out Mapua duo RaissaRicablanca and Nicole Ong, alongside Perpetual’s Winnie Bedana to take home the weekly feat presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.
In the men’s division, Ramos steered Mapua to a perfect week to keep in pace for solo first place alongside Benilde, who are both undefeated through five games.
The pride of Pangasinan began the week in the best way possible — a career-best outing of 27 points on 24 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace with 13 excellent receptions to tow the Cardinals to a grueling 25-16, 22-25, 25-20, 25-27, 15-12 win over the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals.
Drawing strength from a career outing, Ramos continued his fine play, tallying 15 points, all on attacks, with 12 excellent receptions in Mapua’s 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, 25-21 win over Arellano University Chiefs to end the week unblemished.
Ramos won the weekly award deliberated by writers covering the collegiate beat over teammate Barbie San Andres, CSB’s Rocky Roy Motol, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA’s Jeff Marapoc for the recognition supported by World Balance and Discovery Suites.
