San Beda University sent out a statement win after making quick work of fellow contender University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 25-20, 25-19, 25-16, in the NCAA Season 95 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Friday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
With the win, the Lady Red Spikers tie their victims at 5-2, just a game behind second-ranked Arellano University, in that tight race to the last three spots in the semifinals.
Team captain Cesca Racraquin continues to put up MVP-like numbers with 18 points on 13 attacks, three aces, and two blocks. Nieza Viray added 14 points, 11 came from attacks, while setter Lynne Matias came up with 14 excellent sets to help take the victory.
Head coach Nemesio Gavino took pride in his wards’ determination in this match.
“Alam kong hindi magiging madali kasi ‘yung Perpetual solid rin talaga,” he said. “Pero alam ko ‘yung mga bata nagtrabaho rin talaga para makuha ‘tong game na ‘to.”
Defense made the difference for San Beda; they kept 71 rallies on digs going before finishing in transition for 38 attacks at the end of the barely hour-long match.
Last year’s Best Libero Daryl Racraquin led the charge on the floor with 22 digs. Ella Viray likewise kept up 14 of Perpetual’s hits.
On the other hand, no Lady Altas finished in double digits. Jhona Rosal ended with seven markers only.
The two will try to secure their semifinals spots when they take on separate also-ran opponents.
San Beda will face Mapua University (1-6) on Tuesday, February 11. Meanwhile, Perpetual will battle Emilio Aguinaldo College (1-6) the day before, February 10.
