BOUNCING BACK WITH renewed energy, the San Beda Red Spikers leaned on defensive adjustments and sustained pressure to defeat the JRU Heavy Bombers in four sets, 25–22, 28–26, 25–19, 25–21, in the NCAA Season 101 men’s volleyball tournament on February 6 at the San Andres Sports Complex.
San Beda set the tone early, taking the opening frame 25–22 behind steadier floor coverage and controlled attacks. JRU kept pace in the second set, forcing extended rallies and pushing the Red Spikers to the limit. Still, San Beda held firm in the closing moments to escape with a tight 28–26 win that proved pivotal.
Carrying the momentum into the third set, the Red Spikers began to pull away as their defense tightened and transition plays improved, securing a 25–19 advantage. JRU attempted to regroup in the fourth, but San Beda’s consistency and composure down the stretch sealed the victory at 25–21.
Team captain Axel Van Book was named Player of the Game after delivering a match-high 28 points, anchoring the Red Spikers’ offense and providing stability in crucial stretches. He was ably supported by Ryan Rosman, who chipped in 17 points to bolster San Beda’s scoring depth.
Head coach Ariel Dela Cruz credited the win to deliberate adjustments on defense and an emphasis on keeping his players locked in, especially when holding a lead.
“‘Yong adjustment namin sa floor defense, so dinagdagan namin. So, then—‘yon, more, ‘yon sabi ko nga, dinagdagan ko ‘yong pressure sa kanila para ma-pressure sila na magpursige sila sa ginaggawa nila kasi nakakampante kasi lalo na ‘pag lamang na kami,” Dela Cruz said. “So para ma-pressurean sila na maglaro sila, hindi natatapos dun sa 25.”
Dela Cruz added that additional drills were introduced to address their offensive lapses and maintain intensity throughout the match.
“So dinagdagan ko na, binibigay ko sa kanila ng ibang drills para ma-pressure sila na magpalo ng palo ng bola. So kasi doon yung naging mahina kami doon sa opensa,” he said.
Looking ahead to their upcoming matchup against the San Sebastian Stags, Dela Cruz stressed that complacency remains the team’s biggest enemy.
“‘Yon, dapat hindi kami nagre-relax eh. Lalo na sila sa yung ugali nila. ‘Pag lamang ‘yong San Beda, dapat mas lalo nila tambakan nang tambakan ‘yong kalaban,” he shared.
With just a day to prepare, the Red Spikers are set to focus on improving their blocking and defensive structure against a physically imposing opponent.
“One day preparation lang ‘to para sa San Sebastian. So ‘yong San Sebastian malalaki din. So kailangan namin ma-penetrate namin doon sa blockings para magkaroon kami ng defense pattern,” Dela Cruz said. “Kasi kung hindi kami maka-block, kita mo naman kanina, sabog ‘yong depensa namin.”
As the Red Spikers regain their stride, they look to carry the same discipline and urgency into their next outing, determined to stay back in business as the season heats up.
(with Eunice Karen Buccat)
Set Scores:
San Beda – JRU: 25–22, 28–26, 25–19, 25–21
Box Scores:
San Beda (3): Book 28, Rosman 21, Bakil 8, Munsing 8, Tahilludin 7, Cabalsa 6, Castañeda 2
JRU (1): Barrientos 25, Fernandez 15, Mallillin 7, Ramirez 5, Macalacad 4, Sampang 3, Dais 2