The Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers clinched their second win with a sweep of still winless Emilio Aguinaldo College Lady Generals, 25-14, 25-16, 26-24, late Friday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Team captain Shola Alvarez once again paced the Mandaluyong-based spikers with 17 points, 13 off attacks and 3 service aces.
JRU cruised past the Lady Generals in the first two sets as they poured in most of their 34 attacks and 8 service aces in the first two frames.
The Taft-based Generals kept themselves in the game as neither team seem to connect on the attack as they shifted their focus on defense.
EAx threatened to extend the match with a 23-21 lead in the third, forcing JRU head coach Mia Tioseco to call for timeout.
The long-time Lady Bombers mentor shared, “I just told them to re-focus at mas mag-exert ng effort. Una, pagod na eh, tapos hahabol.”
With seniors Alvarez and Rosalie Pepito clicking, JRU finally clinched the win after a breakdown in the Lady Generals’ transition.
Pepito led the supporting cast with nine points, eight coming from spikes. Libero Annie Macaraya anchored the Lady Bombers on defense with 15 digs and 6 excellent receptions.
Yvette Tongco and Kristine Santos led the Taft-based troop with 8 points each.
Coach Mia Tioseco hopes that JRU would continue with their positive attitude in order to move further. She said, “Mas i-sustain lang nila, i-build up yung mental toughness. Pag meron na sila nun, yung game nila lalabas.”
The Lady Bombers will test their mettle against the defending champions College Saint Benilde Lady Blazers on November 29, Tuesday at 1 pm. The Lady Generals, meanwhile, take on the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas earlier that day at 10:30 am.
The Scores
JRU (3) – Alvarez 17, Pepito 9, Rivera 5, Montojo 5, Batalon 4, Sixto 4, Macaraya L.
EAC (0) – Tongco 8, Santos 8, Magbanua 6, Binondo 2, Yongco 1, Rasing 1, Lumbo 0, Chan 0, Medina L, Castillo L.