Mapua University outlasted Jose Rizal University in a three-hour, five-set thriller, 16-25, 25-23, 24-26, 36-34, 16-14, to get its third win in the NCAA Season 98 Mens’ Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday, at the San Andres Complex in Manila.
Barbie San Andres’ off-the-block kill put an end to the marathon fourth set and extended the match to a deciding fifth set, 36-34.
Tight was the fifth set as well but San Andres came up clutch anew to lift Mapua to 3-1 in the season.
He led the Cardinals with 31 huge points built on 28 attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
The Heavy Bombers, on the other hand, fell to 1-3.
Meanwhile, Arellano University made quick work of Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-21, 25-10, 25-20, to hike its record to 3-1.
Chiefs’ Exequel Orpilla’s attack gave his team the match point, 24-17, but the Pirates made three straight points to inch closer but Charles del Rio’s service error ended the match and kept Lyceum winless after four games.
Arellano head coach Sherwin Meneses bared that they regrouped quickly after being swept by Perpetual in their last game.
“We moved on sa last game namin kasi mahaba naman yung eliminations. Nagfofocus na kami sa mga next game namin, and nag respond naman yung mga player today.”
Jethro Cabillan was awarded the best player of the game honors after finishing with 12 points on six blocks, five spikes, and an ace. Kim Tan followed him with 11 points with nine coming from attacks.
Lyceum was led by Del Rio who scored seven points, while Sean Bencito added six markers, all on attacks.
