FIRST WIN. Mapua University celebrates after beating San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 25-20, 25-23, 25-18, in the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament at San Andres Gym in Manila on Tuesday (April 9, 2024). Roxie dela Cruz (2nd from left) finished with 16 attacks and two aces. (NCAA photo)
MANILA – Mapua University outplayed San Sebastian, 25-20, 25-23, 25-18, to jumpstart its campaign in the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament at San Andres Gym in Manila on Tuesday.
Sophomore Roxie dela Cruz led the Lady Cardinals with 16 attacks and two blocks while rookies Raissa Janel Ricablanca and Freigh Anne Garcia chipped in 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Alyana Nicole Ong also contributed six points, including four blocks, while Trixie Mae Gojol made 14 excellent sets in the one hour and 28-minute match.
Lyceum also pulled off a 25-17, 13-25, 25-15, 25-21 victory over San Beda University.
Sophomore Joan Doguna led the Lady Pirates with 17 points.
Mapua and Lyceum gained a share of the early lead with Perpetual Help and back-to-back champion College of St. Benilde, which won in Sunday's season opener.
Mapua coach Clarence Esteban noted Dela Cruz’s impressive performance as well as her mentoring of Ricablanca and Garcia.
“She's had a big part on what happened to us last year and now, she's guiding the new ones. That's what I'm most grateful for," Esteban said of Dela Cruz, a key role in Mapua's Final Four stint the previous season.
“Target talaga mag-champion, pero podium finish okay na din kami. At least umaangat ng umaangat performance (We really wanted to be champions, but we are okay with a podium finish. At least our performance is improving)," Esteban added.
Katherine Santos led San Sebastian with 11 attacks and one ace. Christine Marasigan and Kristine Joy Dionisio contributed seven points each. (PNA)
