Cesca Racraquin and the San Beda University Lady Red Spikers clawed their way back from a two-set deficit, stunning arch-rivals Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights in five sets, 21-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-8, 15-11, in the 2019 PVL Collegiate Conference, Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
“Na-limit na namin ‘yung errors namin noon third set. At ‘yung maturity ng team, ayaw talaga magpatalo. So, at least, na-cover namin mga errors namin at nakabawi kami,” said San Beda head coach Nemesio Gavino Jr.
Following a flat-footed onset, the Lady Red Spikers found their backs against the wall entering the third set. But Racraquin and Kim Manzano took the bulk of the scoring and gave San Beda a lease on life with consecutive set wins, including a 17-point drubbing in the fourth frame.
The Lady Red Spikers then had a jump on things in the final frame with momentum on their side. Holding a cushion at 12-9, the San Beda blockers roofed back-to-back scoring attempts from the Lady Knights to inch a point away from victory.
Though Charm Simborio saved two match points for Letran, Racraquin yet again delivered for the Lady Red Spikers, putting up the off-speed hit that lifted San Beda to a 1-1 win-loss card.
“Sabi ko, hindi pwedeng ganyan lang matapos yan kasi lalo na, NCAA team yung kalaban namin, Letran. So, kailangan namin yung kumpiyansa para pagdating namin ng NCAA, mataas yung morale ng mga bata,” Gavino added.
Racraquin flaunted her two-way arsenal. The San Beda skipper dropped a game-high 27 points — built on 21 attacks and five service aces — laced with 18 excellent digs.
Manzano supplied 16 markers, including 12 attacks and four blocks. Ella Viray chipped eight points while Kyla Dioso added six
San Beda playmaker Lynne Matias tossed 24 excellent sets for the Lady Red Spikers, who hammered down 51 attacks. Defensive specialist Daryl Racraquin collected 27 excellent digs and 17 excellent receptions.
“Malaking tulong kasi yung mga veterans ko kasi alam ko naman yung igagalaw niyan. May mga bago lang talaga aking player na sinasalang ko ngayon so naga-adjust pa rin kami,” Gavino said.
On the other hand, Letran fell to a 0-2 slate.
Chamberlaigne Cunada topped Letran with 22 points — off 19 attacks, two aces and a block. Simborio added 15 attacks and an ace for 16 markers.
Edma Musngi had 16 excellent sets while Julia Angeles notched 21 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions for the Lady Knights.
San Beda will try to make it two in a row when it faces the surging Ateneo Lady Eagles on August 31, Saturday. Meanwhile, Letran takes on Perpetual the day after. Both matches will be played at the FilOil Arena.
