RALLYING DESPITE THE absence of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 Rookie of the Year Angel Mae Habacon, the San Beda Lady Red Spikers fell to a 0-3 record in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament after a 22-25, 23-25, 22-25 straight set defeat against the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Lady Bombers last Thursday, March 6, at the LPU Gym. 

The first set saw early stalemates and lead changes between both squads, with the Lady Red Spikers going back and forth against the Lady Bombers throughout the remainder of the set. After falling to a 12-14 disadvantage, Head Coach Edgar Barroga called a timeout after errors and an attack point from JRU saw the Red-and-White trail 14-17.

A timeout for the side of the Lady Bombers was called after the following course of action saw the Lady Red Spikers rally on to tie the score at 20 a piece. Despite gaining a 22-21 advantage, the Lady Red Spikers were at the receiving end of a four-point unanswered run from the Lady Bombers, dropping the first set with a score of 22-25 due to a plethora of errors and defensive plays from JRU. 

The second set was a similar affair with the Mendiola-based squad starting the set behind 0-3 against the Lady Bombers. It was once again the JRU squad who found a cushion in the set, forcing a San Beda timeout after the Lady Red Spikers saw themselves battling a 15-17 scoreline. 

Despite a two-point run from the Lady Red Spikers that saw the squad edge closer toward extended play, JRU was able to close the second set after a down the line attack made the Red-and-White succumb to a second set defeat with a score of 23-25.   

Inspired play from the Lady Red Spikers gave the team a majority of the lead during the early moments of the third set. The Lady Red Spikers gained a 15-10 advantage before a two-point run from the Lady Bombers forced a San Beda timeout.  

Unable to regain momentum, the Lady Red Spikers lost the lead at 16-17; eventually losing the third set, 22-25, and the game with a 0-3 game score.

Still in the hunt for their maiden win, the San Beda Lady Red Spikers will face the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Lady Generals on Saturday, March 8, 11:00 a.m., at the same venue.  

Set Scores:

San Beda – JRU: 22-25, 23-25, 22-25

Box Scores: 

San Beda (0): Dela Cruz S. 18, Cañete 13, Molina 6, Bachar 5, Bedural 4, Dayrit 3, Navarro 3, Dela Cruz J. 2, Hiponia 1
JRU (3): Del Pillar 12, Batara 9, Silverio 9, Jasareno 8, Pretta 6, Ramos 6, Amante 4, Laurente 3, Dayame 1