GAMES TOMORROW
(The Arena, San Juan)
11 a.m. – SSC vs. Letran
2:30 p.m. – CSB vs. Arellano
MAPUA University, without one of its reliable players in Nadine Berces, fended off San Beda University 25-18, 25-18, 25-23 yesterday for its second straight win in the 100th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Seizing solo third with a 9-5 card, the Lady Cardinals are now lurking crawling their way to the top thanks to the efforts of Freighanne Garcia who had12 points, eight digs and eight excellent receptions.
Grace Cabadin and Raissa Ricablanca also chipped in 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
In the second match, Perpetual Help snapped a three-game skid at the expense of Emilio Aguinaldo College 25-19, 25-17, 17-25, 25-23.
Last Friday, Berces suffered an apparent left knee injury after an attack-attempt landing during the Mapua-Perpetual Helo match and was stretchered out of the court. She was seen wearing a knee brace with a crutches for support yesterday on the sidelines in the Lady Cardinals’ match against the Lady Red Spikers.
“Actually, iyong preparation parang hindi na namin nahanda kasi kalalaro lang namin nung last (Friday), one day preparation halos. Minemorize nalang namin, (inihanda) na lang namin iyong mga dapat gawin. Hindi na kami masyadong nagpatalon (sa ensayo), so adjustment nalang talaga pagdating dito sa game proper na,” Lady Cards coach Clarence Esteban said.
Esteban also praised the Lady Cardinals for stepping up in lieu of the Berces’ absence on the court as they adapted well in the adjustments they had to do.
“Grateful ako doon sa mga players na inadapt agad nila na prinaktis lang namin kahapon, gaya ng mga potensyal na puwedeng mangyari. Nakita naman namin na na-adapt nila iyong dapat na mangyari doon sa game namin ngayon. Kung ano iyong game plan na ginawa namin is nagawa namin ng maayos,” he said.
Angel Habacon and Kat Molina starred for the Lady Red Spikers with 15 and 12 markers, respectively.
