MANILA — San Beda University reasserted its title credentials and stormed back into the win column with a clinical straight-sets demolition of Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-14, 25-19, 25-16, in the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the San Andres Sports Complex.
The Lady Red Spikers displayed composure and depth, shrugging off the absence of injured star Angel Habacon as they dictated the tempo from start to finish to improve to an 8-2 win-loss slate in Group B.
Janelle Bachar spearheaded the charge with 13 points built on 11 attacks and two blocks to earn Player of the Game honors, providing the firepower that repeatedly pierced Lyceum’s defense.
Negrense playmaker Gina Espina orchestrated the offense with precision, delivering 13 excellent sets while adding two points of her own, as San Beda leaned on crisp ball movement and airtight net defense to frustrate the Lady Pirates, who slipped to 3-7.
The Lady Red Spikers seized control early in each set, capitalizing on unforced errors and sustaining pressure behind steady offensive production to close out the contest in convincing fashion.
In another marquee match, Mapúa University Lady Cardinals pulled off one of the tournament’s grittiest comebacks, overturning a two-set deficit to stun the Arellano University Lady Chiefs, 20-25, 26-28, 25-22, 25-20, 15-11.
Raissa Ricablanca erupted for a tournament-high 37 points, anchored on 33 attacks and three aces, to clinch Player of the Game honors and lift Mapúa to a 4-5 record in Group A. Arellano fell to 3-6 in Group B.
Meanwhile, San Sebastian College-Recoletos Lady Stags survived a grueling five-set duel against Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers, 27-25, 20-25, 26-24, 17-25, 15-7.
Kleiner Abraham delivered an all-around performance of 13 points, 13 receptions, and 11 digs to power San Sebastian to a 4-6 slate, while JRU dropped to 2-8./PN
