MANILA – Mapua University Lady Cardinals bucked homecourt disadvantage to defeat University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas, 25-20, 25-23, 23-25, 25-17, in the NCAA Season 100 women’s volleyball tournament at the UPHSD Gym.
Raissa Ricablanca led the way with 17 points, including 16 attacks, while Freighanne Garcia added 14 markers and 12 excellent receptions as the Lady Cardinals improved to a 7-2 win-loss slate.
Nadine Berces contributed a double-double of 12 points and 21 excellent digs while veteran middle blocker Nicole Ong chipped in 10 markers for the Lady Cardinals, now on a seven-game winning streak.
With the victory, the Lady Cardinals has forged a three-way tie with the Lady Altas and defending champion College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers at the number one spot ahead of the second round.
“Kapag alam naming crucial ‘yung game, alam naming sobrang bigat ng pressure, parang lalo kaming tumitibay,” Ong said after the game. “Lahat ng pressure tine-take namin as motivation.”
Rookie Jemalyn Menor finished with 18 points, while Winnie Bedaña contributed 13 markers for the Lady Altas, which has lost two of their last three matches.
Meanwhile, Emilio Aguinaldo College Lady Generals returned to their winning ways with a 33-31, 25-16, 18-25, 20-25, 15-10 victory against Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers.
Erica Maye Bodonal led the Lady Generals with triple-double of 22 points, 21 excellent digs, and 20 excellent receptions as they improved to a 2-6 win-loss slate. The Lady Bombers dropped to a 1-7 card./PN
