The Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals found much needed team chemistry without their ace hitter and the San Beda College Red Lions got back to their winning ways in the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Tournament elimination round at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, earlier today.
Even without the reigning MVP, Howard Mojica, the EAC Generals shrugged off the Arellano University Chiefs in four sets, 25-22, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21.
According to team officials, Mojica suffered a minor ankle sprain in training and did not want to aggravate the injury in their final match of 2015. He will be available starting next year.
With the league-leading scorer sidelined and having just lost their first match of the season two days ago, the Generals dug deep and used a balanced assault to take care of the feisty Chiefs.
Opposite hitter Hariel Doguna poured in 19 markers while Mojica’s fellow starting open hitter, Kerth Melliza added 18 points. High-flying middle blocker, Israel Encina contributed 16 points while Mojica’s replacment, Denzel Rasing managed 10 markers.
Arellano team captain, Ben Latip powered in 19 points while Kenneth Aliyacyac contributed 15 markers.
In the day’s final match, the San Beda Red Lions avenged their disappointing loss last week with a resounding sweep of the Jose Rizal University Bombers 25-19, 25-21, 25-23.
With both sides flexing their muscles and testing the officials’ patience, the Bedans staunchly protected the early leads they built through steady floor defense and consistent attacking. The Bombers wound up surrendering reception miscues and errors at key moments of each set the siphoned all the momentum to San Beda’s side.
SanBeda opposite hitter Mark Enciso delivered a team-high 15 points off 13 attacks and two blocks. Team captain, Alfie Mascariñas added nine markers.
Wiry open hitter Joshua Manzanas led the Bombers with 10 points while Patrick Rabaja added seven markers.
The General’s maintained hold on a Top Two spot and a twice-to-beat advantage come the Final Four with a 6-1 record. San Beda, on the other hand, barged in to the Top Four with a 4-2 record.
The Chiefs drop to fifth place at 4-3 while the Bombers are still yet to win a match in six outings.
