By Rom Anzures
Mapua University bounced back from its heartbreaking loss against Colegio de San Juan de Letran, sweeping San Sebastian College-Recolletos, 25-22, 25-18, 25-13, to improve to 2-1 in the NCAA Season 98 Men’s’ Volleyball Tournament at the San Andres Complex in Manila.
After a seemingly close game which saw both teams exchanging attacks in the opening set, the Cardinals pulled away in the second and third, highlighted by Benedict San Andres’ game-winning attack. He put up 19 points, built on 16 attacks and three aces, while also delivering seven excellent digs and five receptions.
Mapua head coach John Michael Millado put an emphasis on closing out games which allowed his squad to avoid another end-game meltdown saying, “Naging problema namin yung third set (last game), so ngayon minake sure ko na dito sila bumawi at hindi dun sa nakaraang game.”
“One assignment at a time kami. Ang goal namin manalo lang ng manalo, susubok lang kami sa season na ‘to,” he added.
Juancho Barba protected the floor for the Cardinals, tallying nine excellent sets and and ace, while Alvin Macadangdang and Peter Sanado contributed 10 points each.
The Golden stags, who fell to 1-2, were led by Kyle Villamor who scored 16 points, all coming from attacks. Jerick Cagang and Mikel Mendoza also put up six and five, respectively.
Meanwhile, Jose Rizal University finally cracked the win column after defeating Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-17, 25-21, 25-21, and improve to 1-2 in the season.
The Heavy Bombers dominated the first two sets, but figured in a push-and-pull affair that saw both teams exchange leads in the third set.
Bryle Alipan broke the deadlock which gave the lead to JRU, 21-20, swinging the momentum back towards the Heavy Bombers’ side. Alipan also scored the match point for his squad with a service ace, allowing them to avoid a third straight loss.
JRU head tactician Larry Sioco Jr. was all praises on his squad’s performance, especially that his trust towards them finally translated in the taraflex.
“Happy kami kasi yun yung pinagpaguran namin simula nung nag start kami ng training. One-hundred percent kasi tiwala ko sa kanilang lahat eh, pag pinasok ko sila ‘yan na yung chance na ilaro nila kung ano yung pinagpaguran nila,” he said.
Team captain Matthew Miguel led his team with 14 points, 12 coming from attacks. Kenneth Daynata followed him with 10 points, two blocks, and nine excellent receptions.
Kier Tibayan and Jeric Porto, on the other hand, contributed nine points each for the Pirates who are still winless in three games.
