Jose Rizal University averted a late-game meltdown against Mapua University, taking a 25-18, 25-18, 31-29 weep to keep alive its bid for a Final Four in the NCAA Season 95 Women’s Volleyball Tournament bid, Monday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Team captain Dolly Verzosa finished with a double-double output of points and digs with 17 and 10, respectively.
Middle blocker Sydney Niegos was the other Lady Bomber in double-digit points with 10 off six spikes, three blocks, and a service ace.
“Siguro kasi mas focused sila and relatively mas mabilis silang maka-recover than ‘yung past games,” head coach Mia Tioseco shared on what worked for JRU despite the 30 errors it committed.
Nonetheless, with good defense up top and on the floor, the Lady Bombers were able to execute in transition. They peppered the Lady Cardinals with 44 attacks while rejecting seven attempts in the process.
Libero Angel Bautista anchored JRU’s first ball well with 14 digs and seven excellent receptions. Meanwhile, Jonina Fernandez finished with 10 markers off seven attacks, two aces, and a block.
On the other hand, Mapua dropped to 1-5 after suffering this fourth straight defeat.
Tioseco hopes that her wards will show up on that crucial match against the unbeaten College of Saint Benilde (6-0) on Friday, February 7.
“Kailangan na lang naming mas tibayan ‘yung defense namin and kailangan naming mas maglaro as a team. Kasi matibay ang offense ng CSB, so kailangan naming matapatan ng defense ‘yun,” the long-time Lady Bombers’ mentor said.
Mapua, on their part, will try to snap this losing skid when they Lyceum of the Philippines (2-4) on Thursday, February 6.
