AN INSPIRED 26-POINT performance from Axel Van Book propelled the San Beda Red Spikers to their second win in the first round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 Men’s Volleyball Tournament with a 25-14, 21-25, 25-17, 25-15 four-set victory over the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers last Thursday, March 6, at the LPU Gym.
Starting on even footing in the first set, the Red Spikers took control of the first set with a 10-6 lead from four-straight points in the early rallies of the match, forcing a JRU timeout.
The Red Spikers took full control of the set, an error from the side of the Heavy Bombers saw the Mendiola-based squad take a 16-8 lead during a JRU timeout.
Consistent attack points from Andrie Bakil and Book, and defensive points from the team gave the Red Spikers a 25-14 first set win. The following set saw the Red Spikers struggle compared to their dominant first-set.
A 16-14 advantage from the Heavy Bombers forced a San Beda timeout; JRU rode their momentum for the second set win. Dropping the second set 21-25, the Red Spikers bounced back in the match’s third set. Taking a 16-10 lead, the Red-and-White squad kept the Heavy Bombers to just seven points, winning the third set with a score of 25-17.
Carrying a two-point advantage throughout the early stages of the fourth set, the Red Spikers had the upper hand against the Heavy Bombers, forcing a JRU timeout with a score of 16-12. The Red Spikers capitalized from miscommunication and errors from the Heavy Bombers, allowing just three points after the timeout.
The Red Spikers iced the game with a 25-15 fourth set score, confirming their second win of the season. Bakil, Mark Kevin Montemayor, and Ryan Rosman joined the double figure mark – scoring 15, 13, and 12 points respectively.
The Red Spikers will look to extend their winning streak to three games against the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals on Saturday, March 8, 9:00 a.m., at the same venue.
Set Scores:
San Beda – JRU: 25-14, 21-25, 25-17, 25-14
Box Scores:
San Beda (3): Book 26, Bakil 15, Montemayor 13, Rosman 12, Munsing 7, Castañeda 5, Ignacio 1, Miljani 1
JRU (1): Ocay 18, Barrientos 14, Alipan 7, Fernandez 6, Dela Cruz 3, Datig 1, Mallillin 1, Unding 1