MU MVT extinguishes Blazing Spikers’ streak, remains unscathed in NCAA 100

Article by: Crismhil S. Anselmo and Sean Carlo O. Samonte

Graphics by: Albert Dylan D. David and Crismhil S. Anselmo

Photo by: Marcus D. Agustin

In a thrilling four-set matchup, the Mapúa University Men’s Volleyball Team (MU MVT) extinguished the hot streak of a tough foe in the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazing Spikers, handing the Taft squad their first loss in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 Volleyball Tournament today, April 3, at the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Gymnasium in Las Piñas City.

Alvin Macadangdang set the tone of the match after hitting a successful attack to start the game. Benilde’s errors gave the home team a soft cushion to maintain the lead as the frame moved to double digits in the point exchange.

Attacks from Saint Marlowe Jamisola, Ar-jay Ramos, and Adrian Patrick Musni kept the Blazing Spikers from gaining the lead, but after four consecutive service aces from Barbie San Andres, odds were stacked high for the Taft-based volleyers as the gap extended to a healthy seven for the Cardinals as they rallied to set point and closed the first frame, 25-17.

Come the second set, the point exchange remained close as the MU MVT tried to maintain a cushion against their opponents. With the Blazing Spikers beginning to close the gap, occasionally leading the score to a tie, the opposing team solidified their defense to combat the home team’s relentless attacks. The white jerseys started to overtake the Intramuros-based squad as the latter struggled to regain their momentum. Benilde then rained three consecutive attacks, benefited from an error, and nailed a service ace to force Mapúa to give up the set, 21-25.

Fueled to bounce back from the set prior, the Cardinals entered the third bout with a refreshed game plan to counter their green-blooded foes. Although a rocky start left Mapúa with a disadvantage, Intramuros' contenders shifted the tide through San Andres and Ramos' offensive plays. With both teams vying to end the set in their favor as scores slowly climbed neck and neck, Musni finally ends the battle with a powerful attack to bypass Benilde's defenses, bringing the winning momentum back into Mapúa's control, 28-26.

With only a set away to cement their unscathed streak, the Cards were challenged as Taft's squad opened the fourth set with a four-point lead. Aiming for a silver lining as the Blazers pushed their lead even more, the MVT was able to secure a late game turnaround to gain their first set lead at 23-22. In an intense final rally, San Andres closed the game, 3-1, with a sneaky ball drop to a set score of 26-24.

San Andres proved that she is everything after delivering another standout 27-outing all-around performance with 21 attacks, two blocks, and four service aces, alongside 10 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions. Meanwhile, Jamisola pitched in 14 points built from 13 attacks with nine digs and 10 receptions, while Week 3 POW recipient Ar-jay Ramos pitched in 12 points in the crucial victory.

The MU MVT is set to face another leaderboard menace in the UPHSD Altas Spikers as they gun for a Round 1 sweep in their last match this coming April 5, at 3:00 PM, at the latter’s home court. The game will air live on the official social media pages of NCAA Philippines and GMA Sports.

The Scores

MU – San Andres 27, Jamisola 14, Ramos 12, Macadangdang 7, Musni 4, Quemada 3, Barba 2, Caballero (L)

DLS-CSB – Motol 22, Aguilar 13, Balbacal 8, Betco 8, Herrera 6, Austero 4, Jordan 1, Baldado (L), Cuenca (L)

Set Scores: 25-17, 21-25, 28-26, 26-24