Mapúa Junior Spikers blaze to final four finish in NCAA Season 100

Article by: Sean Carlo O. Samonte and Setheleh Liam G. Ramos

Graphics by: Albert Dylan D. David and Sean Carlo O. Samonte

Photo by: Elizabeth Shyne T. Cuarteros

Shining the taraflex with sheens of red and gold, the Mapúa University (MU) Junior Spikers capped off their season run with a final four appearance, finishing fourth place in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 Volleyball Fiesta after falling short against the Arellano University (AU) Braves in the battle for bronze, logging a commanding 7-2 win-loss record going into the semi-finals.

Geared to fortify the walls, the defending champions charged into the fiesta with fiery momentum, flashing shades of their golden run from last season. With sharp attacks and unyielding defense, the home squad made an early statement that they remained a powerhouse on the court.

Soaring Through Eliminations

Kicking off their campaign on April 12 at the AU Apolinario Mabini Campus, the Junior Spikers outlasted the AU Braves in a three-set thriller, 19-25, 31-29, 25-21; following up with a commanding sweep of the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, 25-20, 25-16 on April 14 at the same venue. Their early victories cemented the red-and-gold side as a force on the taraflex, immediately drawing attention to their solid form and relentless energy.

After a 21-25, 17-25 loss to the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Squires on April 21, the home team rebounded with a decisive win over the La Salle Green Hills Greenies, 25-21, 25-13 on April 24.

Edging past the Lyceum of the Philippines University Junior Pirates last April 28 in a nail-biting two-setter, 25-23, 26-24, the hot streak continued as they outlasted the San Sebastian College – Recoletos Staglets in a grueling three-set clash, 25-22, 23-25, 25-21 on May 1.

The red and gold squad carried this momentum and later secured straight-set victories against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers, 25-20, 25-21, and the San Beda University Juniors Red Spikers, 25-20, 25-19, last May 5 and 8, respectively.

Yet despite their impressive run, the team met another stumbling block against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Junior Altas, falling to 23-25, 13-25 on May 15 to cap off their elimination round run. Still, with their mix of commanding sweeps and hard-fought battles, the Cards proved once again that they remain among the teams to watch in the NCAA’s centennial season by securing a final four appearance.

Reaching for the Podium

With their backs against the wall, the MU Junior Spikers put up a spirited fight in the semifinals but was unable to overcome the twice-to-beat CSJL Squires last May 22 at the AU Juan Sumulong campus. Riding high after snatching the opening set, 25-21, the Cards looked poised for an upset before the Squires shifted gears with relentless attacks and airtight defense. The red-and-gold side tried to claw back their rhythm, but Letran proved too steady, wrapping up the next three sets, 20-25, 21-25, 16-25, to hand Mapúa a 1-3 loss and a detour to the bronze-medal match.

In the clash for the third podium spot last May 29 at the same venue, the Junior Spikers squared off with the AU Braves but was unable to rekindle the same fire that fueled their early campaign. The Braves dictated the pace from start to finish, capitalizing on Mapúa’s errors to secure a sweep, 16–25, 17–25, 18–25. Though Muralla’s pride settled for fourth place, their grit and flashes of brilliance throughout the season proved their promise, laying the groundwork for a stronger return in seasons to come.

Shining With Accolades

Piercing the court lights with his presence, Kim Cris Liray of the MU Junior Spikers bagged the Season’s Most Valuable Player title and 1st Best Outside Spiker award for his valiant efforts in their Season 100 campaign during the awarding ceremony held on June 11 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

In an interview with The New Builder, Asst. Coach John Patrick de Guzman highlighted how incredible the team’s performance was this season, stating that despite the change in roster, the red and gold troop held their ground. “…Nakalaban pa rin ‘yung [mga] players, nakapag-perform pa [rin] and nakapag-showcase pa rin sila ng skills nila,” he remarked.

With the Intramuros-based squad once again showing for the final four, Asst. Coach de Guzman shares his plans on making the Junior Spikers a familiar face for audiences in the following seasons, “More of improvement and consistency, so right now with the help of Coach Ralph Ocampo, through his own funding, we were able to acquire gym equipment for our players, and at the same time we’re currently starting our preparations already by joining various tournaments.”

Fourth place may have closed this season’s campaign, but it opened the door to a future brimming with potential. Though the crown slipped away this year, Mapúa’s rising stars leave the court not in defeat, but in determination—armed with grit, talent, and a fire that promises an even stronger return in the battles ahead.