Although they let a set slip, the San Beda College Lady Red Spikers recovered quickly to complete a four-set triumph over the Technological Institute of the Philippines Lady Engineers, 25-13, 25-18, 25-27, 25-13, in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Comference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Red Spikers had four hitters go for double-digit scoring outputs, with Cesca Racraquin tallying a game-high 19 points. Middle hitter Satrriani Espiritu followed closely with 18 markers.
According to head coach Nemesio Gavino, San Beda’s sudden letdown in the third set is a habit that his team has had trouble breaking.
“Kasi ‘yan ‘yung sakit namin kapag nakuha ang game, nakita na kaya ang kalaban, nag-rerelax na. So ‘yun ang kailangan i-improve ng team,” Gavino mused. “Medyo na-excite lang ang mga bata kasi PVL medyo mataas na liga.”
Other than the third set, the match went smoothly for the ladies from Mendiola, as they led for most the match and kept their opponents behind double-digit gaps.
With TIP struggling with ball control, San Beda feasted on offense, scoring 60 spikes, seven blocks, and eight aces. The Lady Engineers had only 41 points off all three categories, combined.
Middle blocker Alyssa Layug towed TIP with 13 markers while Ashley Jinon had 10 points.
San Beda (1-0) next face the defending NCAA champs Arellano University Lady Chiefs (1-0) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The Lady Engineers (0-1) take on the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons (0-0) on September 11.
The Scores
SBC (3) – Racracquin 19, Espiritu 18, Viray J. 15, Viray M. 10, Paras 6, Cuevas 3, Amador 2, Laguna 1, Tannagan 1, Baluarte 0, Manuel 0, Buno (L)
TIP (1) – Layug 13, Jinon 10, Mabayao 6, Gentapa 5, Consencino 4, Cahigao 2, Rosales 1, Agustin 0, Gentapa 0, Acuzar (L)
