MU MVT cruises past LPU MVT to secure first win, 3-0

Capitalizing on their momentum, the Mapúa volleyers began their defensive stop with an emphatic block by Middle Blocker Alvin Macadangdang. With their great first balls and solid execution of attacks, the Intramuros-based squad quickly gained ground, leading the technical timeout, 8-2. Scoring on all fronts, the team did not hold back. Outside Hitter John Benedict San Andres proved to be a force on the court with a unique flick of the wrist, tallying three straight service aces and a series of successful attacks. 

As the ball maintained on the side of Mapúa, the home team showed no signs of letting the opponents trim down the lead as Opposite Hitter Karl Christian Lastimosa slammed a rapid attack against the opponents. Reaching the set point, LPU’s service error led the red-and-gold squad to a dominant first-set victory, 25-12.

Setting foot in the second frame, the LPU MVT set the court up with an opening service, but Macadangdang retaliated with a piercing spike to take advantage of the opponents' lack of floor defense, scoring the first point of the set. Continuing their strong offense, San Andres performed another service ace to reach technical timeout, pulling away with a five-point lead, 8-3. At the 22-10 mark, the Mapúa volleyers encountered its first challenge made by the Pirates, wherein the point remained on the MU side after it was proven that LPU’s Sean Alexis Escallar committed a net touch violation.

Closing out the frame with a 12-point advantage, MU's sturdy defense blocked each attempt from the other side to penetrate their side of the court, 25-13.

As the game approached the third set, pressured boiled down on the MU MVT as the first two points were given to the red and gray jerseys. However, the Mapúa volleyers’ quick adjustments to their gameplay showed a well-executed attack to catch LPU off guard to score their first point of the set. As both teams fought to keep the ball alive, the longest rally of the game occurred, but the team’s efforts, along with San Andres’ powerful spike, ended the rally to maintain their grip on the lead.

Reaching the 22-16 score, another challenge rose for the red and gold, as the Lyceum squad argued that the home team’s attack was outside of the court. Upon review, however, a closer look at the play showed that the LPU committed another violation with a block touch. Inching closer to a clean sweep, the MU MVT spared no effort as Macadangdang locked in their winning point, 25-19.

Best Player of the Game San Andres led his team to victory with 15 points, consisting of nine attacks, one block, and five service aces, while Lastimosa added nine points. Opposite Hitter Peter Anthony Sañado and Macadangdang pitched in eight points apiece.

Following the MVT’s first match, the team tallied a 1-0 win-loss record, while the LPU Pirates posted a 0-1 win-loss stint. Later that day, the Mapúa Lady Cardinals also started their NCAA Season 98 campaign, wherein they fell to the Lady Pirates in a five-set thriller, 2-3, at the same venue.

After securing their first win, the Mapúa Men’s Volleyball Team will attempt to start a winning streak, while the Lady Cards will look to bounce back from their previous loss as both teams go up against the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights volleyball teams tomorrow, February 24, at 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM, respectively, at the same sports complex. All games will be streamed live on the social media pages of NCAA Philippines and GMA Sports. The Women’s Volleyball matches will also air on GTV.

Set Scores: 25-12, 25-13, 25-19