MU MVT secures semis bid with twice-to-beat advantage

Article by: Shaina Camille F. Macaranas & Marco R. Sunga

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

Photo by: Marcus D. Agustin

After dominating the first round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, the Mapúa University Men’s Volleyball Team (MU MVT) jumped over to the second round with the same mindset, finishing as the second seed with a 14-4 win-loss stint and securing their final four bid with a twice-to-beat edge.

Entering the second round hot on their feet, the red and gold squad took down the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals, 25-17, 21-25, 25-16, 25-23. , marking their tenth straight victory. Ar-jay Ramos ignited the flame by rattling 26 points contributed by his 26 piercing strikes and 11 excellent digs. He was followed by Team Captain Barbie San Andres who scored an overall 19 points built from 18 powerful spikes and 11 excellent digs.

High on their flight, the red and gold squad absorbed their first loss in the season in a huge upset against the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs in four sets, 22-25, 24-26, 25-20, 22-25. San Andres attempted to overturn the flow, pouring 28 points, distributed among her 27 spikes. The team captain was trailed behind by Ramos with 16 points and Saint Marlowe Jamisola with 14 points, the Cards snap their ten-game winning streak.

Back with a vengeance anthem from their previous game, the MU MVT swept their Intramuros rival, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, to secure their first straight-set victory of the season, 25-20, 25-23, 25-23. San Andres led the charge with an explosive 26-point performance built on 22 attacks and four service aces, while also contributing 13 excellent receptions. Ramos also stepped up with 19 total points and 10 excellent digs, providing a strong defensive anchor for the Cardinals.

Riding high on momentum from their dominant win, Mapúa went on to survive a thrilling five-set battle against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas in their fourth Round 2 match on May 2, narrowly avoiding a reverse sweep, 25-21, 25-21, 12-25, 17-25, 15-13. Team Captain San Andres once again rose to the occasion, recording a season-high 33 points from 30 attacks and two aces. She was well-supported by Jamisola with 16 points and Ramos, who added 12 more in the matchup.

Come May 4, the Muralla troop squared off against the surging San Beda University Red Spikers, coming out firing to dominate the opening frame with a convincing 25-13 set win. However, momentum soon shifted as the Mendiola-based squad regrouped and seized control of the next three sets. Despite the early spark, Mapúa faltered in the latter stages, ultimately falling in four sets, 25-13, 20-25, 16-25, 20-25 to absorb their second loss in the season.

Eager to get back on track, the MU MVT responded with resilience in their sixth outing against the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers on May 17 at the EAC Gymnasium. After a slow start and dropping the first set, the Intramuros-based team flipped the tables around the offensive firepower of Ramos and San Andres. Both hitters exploded for 22 points apiece, overwhelming JRU with aggressive attacks and sharp serves. Mapúa reclaimed the game with a four-set victory, 19-25, 25-19, 25-14, 25-18, marking their fourth win in Round 2.

Riding on newfound momentum, the MU MVT delivered another dominant performance in their seventh match against the San Sebastian College – Recoletos Stags. Mapúa breezed through the contest in straight sets, 3-0, for a back-to-back win and their fifth triumph in round two. San Andres once again rose to the occasion, hammering 18 points off 16 attacks and two aces to claim another Player of the Game honors.

However, in their eighth and penultimate match of the eliminations, the MU MVT faced a tough challenge in the form of the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde Blazers in a crucial game to determine the top-ranking team in the league. Despite putting up a spirited fight in all three sets, the Cardinals fell short in breaking through the Taft team’s composed defense and offense. In the end, the Intramuros-based squad             absorbed their third loss of the season, 22-25, 20-25, 23-25.

Determined to end on a high note, the red and gold squad went all in for their ninth and final game of the elimination rounds as they faced another of their Intramuros neighbors, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights. After a strong start, the Cardinals ultimately fell short, absorbing their fourth overall loss, 16-25, 21-25, 20-25, and closing the round with a 14-4 standing.

After a stellar run in the elimination rounds, the MU MVT successfully secured their place in the semifinals as the second seed, even earning a crucial twice-to-beat advantage as they advance to the final four playoffs. The MU MVT are now set to go head-to-head against the AU Chiefs on June 3 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre as they battle for a shot at championship glory.