[ad_1]
Published May 20, 2025 8:10pm
Updated May 20, 2025 8:10pm
Mapua University clinched a Final Four ticket after warding off a third-set fightback of San Sebastian College-Recoletos to complete a 25-18, 25-22, 25-21 win in NCAA Season 100 men’s volleyball on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The league-leading Cardinals captured back-to-back wins to improve to 14-2 and punch their semifinals ticket. And with two games left in their elimination round assignment against Benilde and Letran, the Cardinals have a chance to secure the top spot and the coveted twice-to-beat bonus.
“Very proud ako sa mga players na talagang nag-sacrifice para makuha namin ‘tong Final Four. Nu’ng una wala naman kaming ine-aim, gusto lang namin maglaro nang maayos,” Mapua head coach Aying Esteban told GMA News Online.
“Then silang mga players na ‘yung mismong nag-adjust para makuha namin ‘tong Final Four na ‘to.”
Veteran outside spiker Barbie San Andres was in his element, dropping 18 points built on 16 attacks and two service aces while Ar-jay Ramos supplied the help with 14 markers laced with seven digs and eight receptions.
Ramos sent Mapua to a comfortable 16-11 lead in the third set, but the Stags refused to just fold with opposite hitter Joshua Espenida fueling a 5-1 rampage to trim the gap to one, 17-16.
San Andres then unleashed three straight kills to bring Mapua to a 22-19 cushion while a push on the middle by Adrian Musni sent the Cardinals to a 23-19 spread.
With their middle blockers activated, setter Juancho Barba took advantage and set up Musni for a quick attack to clinch the match point at 24-20 before dishing the pass that led to a Ramil Gripo lefty kill to finish it off.
Kyle Villamor led San Sebastian with 12 points, five digs, and six receptions while Espenida chipped in 10 markers.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
[ad_2]
Source link