THE SAN BEDA Red Spikers kicked off their #NCAASeason101 men’s volleyball debut with an emphatic 25-18, 25-19, 25-17 victory over the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates in the elimination round of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Season 101 at the San Andres Sports Complex, January 24.
The Red Spikers set the tone early with steady service pressure and disciplined floor defense, taking the first set, 25-18, after controlling rallies and capitalizing on the Pirates’ errors.
San Beda carried their momentum into the second set, keeping LPU on the back foot with sharp attacks and solid blocking. The Red Spikers secured the set, 25-19, as their quick transitions and teamwork forced the Pirates into defensive mistakes.
During the third set, San Beda dominated from the start, building powerful spikes and consistent coverage across the court.Veteran players combined with rookies to maintain pressure, closing out the set at 25-17 to clinch the victory.
Anrie Bakil’s 13 points helped stabilize the team throughout the match. Reflecting on the win, he said, “Ngayon, masaya. Nakuha namin ‘yung pinag trainingan namin. Sa wakas nakuha din ‘to. Sa susunod, pagsisipagan pa namin lalo para makuha ‘yung goal na pagiging champion.”
Bakil also shared how the team adjusted in the absence of former Captain Aidjien Rus. “Lalo na’t wala dito si Rus, mas nag-adjust kami kasi nabago ‘yung ano [line up] namin, siya yung nagdadala sa team, pero sa sunod-sunod naman, nag-adjust ang bawat isa. Lalo na ‘yung mga bagong rookie[s] nag-adjust din sila at kaming mga senior, naga-adjust din,” he said.
Looking ahead to their next game against the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals,Bakil emphasized preparation and continuous improvement.
“Siguro, sa next game namin mas pagsisipagan pa namin. Pinagte-trainingan ‘to at mas lalo pa naming pagagadahin yung laro katulad kanina, gagalingan pa namin,” he added.
The Red Spikers return to action on January 28 as they face the EAC Generals in their second game at the same venue.
Set Scores:
San Beda – LPU: 25-18, 25-19, 25-17
Box Scores:
San Beda (3): Book 19, Bakil 13, Munsing 12, Cabalsa 5, Ignacio 5, Castañeda 2, Tahiluddin 2, Laudit 1
LPU (0): Edang 13, De Guzman 7, Lanorio 5, Segui 4, Martinez 2, Aquino 1, Diaz 1, Santis 1, Mojica 1