RECOVERING THEIR PREVIOUS losses, the San Beda Red Spikers relied on a cohesive effort to dominate the San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Golden Stags in a straight-set sweep, 25-17, 25-21, 25-23, in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 men’s volleyball tournament on February 8 at the San Andres Sports Complex.
San Beda overpowered the net early in the game with consistent points off the board, dominating the first set, 25-17, through forceful attacks.
Despite the Stags’ attempts to mount a comeback by strengthening their defense, they fell short against San Beda’s deceptive offenses, which secured the latter their second set win, 25–21.
In a nail-biting third set, the Red Spikers fortified their defense despite San Sebastian’s relentless challenges, ultimately securing the win, 25-23.
Team Captain Axel Van Book was the Best Scorer of the game with match-high 17 points, maintaining his title as the Red Spiker’s anchor during crucial long rallies. He was also supported by Ryan Rosman with 11 points.
In an interview, middle blocker Alener Munsing expressed his relief as they were able to close in their games from their losses.
“Well great start talaga, although may 2 losses kami pero [na] catch-up na namin yung games, napanalo sa dalawang team na natalo kami.”
Munsing reflected on his leadership as a senior and a mentor towards his teammates, emphasizing his desire to strengthen the team’s psychological resilience through tough yet crucial matches.
“Siguro ‘yung sa akin gusto kong mas mag improve ung leadership ko kasi I’m one of the seniors in the team. Also ‘yung sa team gusto ko pang matatag ‘yung mental fortitude namin para sa next na laban namin.”
As the Red Spikers prepare for their upcoming game, Munsing emphasizes hard work for their team and trust in their coach to execute their win against the Mapúa University (MU) Cardinals.
“Well gusto ko lang sabihin na mag hard work, hard work lang talaga kasi malakas ‘yung team na Mapúa,” he stressed. “Sa sistema namin, tiwala naman kami sa sistema ni coach na mananalo kami sa Mapúa, we just have to give all our best talaga.”
The Red Spikers remain head strong and hopeful to carry the same dedication and urgency into their upcoming came, determined to overcome with hard work and teamwork as the season continues.
(with Rozetti Jena E. De Leon)
Set Scores:
San Beda – SSC-R: 25-17, 25, 21, 25-23
Box Scores:
San Beda (3): Book 17, Bakil 10, Rosman 11, Cabalsa 8, Munsing 5, Gallano 1, Castaneda 1, Tehones 1
SSC-R (0): Villamor 12, Alba 10, Binondo 8, Dullete 8, Lim 2, Sarisari 1, Escotillon 1, Espenida 1