GAMES TODAY
(The Arena, San Juan)
11 a.m. – Letran vs. CSB
2:30 p.m.- EAC vs. Arellano
MAPUA University solidified its bid for a semifinals slot in the 100th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament as the Lady Cardinals eliminated the San Sebastian College Lady Stags via a 25-16, 25-16, 25-21 domination yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Cardinals improved to 11-5, still in third spot, thanks to the hot-spiking of Freighanne Garcia, who dropped 21 points built on 17 attacks, two service aces, and two blocks while having nine digs in the hour and 32-minute affair.
Also making pivotal contributions for Mapua’s fourth consecutive win were Raissa Ricablanca and Grace Cabadin, who tallied 14 and nine points, respectively, while setter Gem Gavica tossed 21 excellent sets.
“Grateful kasi iyong mga players na bago natin nilagay doon sa court is nakapag-adjust agad sila. [Credit] din kasi sila din mismo nag-uusap regarding sa pwestuhan na iyon. Grateful kasi ako na may mga tumutulong na seniors para mabuo sa court,” said Mapua mentor Clarence Esteban.
“Talagang ginugusto nila kasing manalo. Lagi kasi naming nireremind na kung gaano ka-importante habang patapos nang patapos iyong liga, kung ano iyong pwede naming makuha, kung ano pwedeng mawala sa amin. So nag-stick sila doon sa mga sinasabi namin,”
Juna May Gonzales was the lone bright spot for the Lady Stags, who slipped to 7-9, with 14 points.
Earlier, also-ran Jose Rizal University scored a straight sets victory over eliminated San Beda University, 25-19, 25-22, 25-21 for its second win of the season.
The Lady Bombers swept the Lady Red Spikers in the double elimination round, tying up the latter in the standings with a 2-14 slate, both out of title contention.
