GAMES TODAY
(The Arena, San Juan)
12 p.m. — Benilde vs. Mapua
2:30 p.m. — JRU vs. Perpetual
AFTER exacting revenge on Letran, defending titlists College of Saint Benilde tries to extend its winning streak to six when it battles Mapua University today in the 100th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Blazers will go into the match at noon on a high, having beaten the Letran Lady Knights last Wednesday 25-18, 25-19, 17-25, 25-18 for their fifth straight win in the second round.
The Lady Blazers intend to keep their streak going against the Lady Cardinals, who beat them 25-20, 11-25, 27-25, 25-21 last April 3 at the University of Perpetual Help System gym in Las Piñas.
While St. Benilde is looking to improve its front-running 13-2 card, Mapua is also bidding to improve its 11-5 card and boost its hopes for a Final Four slot.
St. Benilde head mentor Onyok Getigan said the green-and-white squad from Taft Ave. will stick to their program while reaffirming the confidence of the Lady Blazers going into the crucial part of the eliminations.
“Nanalo kami dito (versus Letran) so malaking bagay kasi nandun iyong kumpiyansa ng mga bata,” said Getigan, who will bank anew on Zam Nolasco, Ash Lleses and Cristy Ondangan to deliver.
“Basta para sa akin, kahit na nagkakamali tayo sa game, basta hindi mawawala iyong kumpiyansa. Pwedeng makabalik,” he added.
Mapua is out to complete a sweep against St. Benilde in the double-elimination round and bolster its semifinals bid.
Going into the match with a four-game winning run, the Lady Cardinals are eager to reach the Final Four after missing the semifinals last season.
“Iyong mga previous kasi na NCAA [seasons], sabi ko nga, learnings samin iyon. Lagi kaming dapat paakyat doon pero sa bandang dulo nawawala kami so medyo inadjust na namin iyong program lalo na’t dalawang round itong [elimination]. So, maganda nga lang is nag-react iyong mga bata sa ginawa naming adjustment ngayon,” said Mapua mentor Clarence Esteban.
The Lady Cardinals, to be led by Freighanne Garcia, Nicole Ong and Gem Gavica, eliminated San Sebastian College from Final Four contention with a commanding 25-16, 25-16, 25-21 win three days.
“Focused kami doon sa katawan ng mga bata. Kung ano iyong mga kailangan gawin, rehab iyong [mga player] meron nararamdaman, then review lang kung ano iyong ginagawa ng kalaban then saka kami mag-training kung ano iyong mga tactical na gagawin namin sa next na game naming,” said Esteban.
Perpetual Lady tries to boost its Final Four hopes at the expense of also-ran Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers in the other game at 2:30 p.m.
The Lady Altas are favored to improve their 9-6 card against the Lady Bombers, who have a dismal 2-14 mark.
The Shaila Omipon-led Lady Altas fell short last Sunday against the gutsy Arellano University 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 14-25, 17-19.
