Lady Red Spikers Grab Solo Lead, Trounce CSB

San Beda College cruised in the first two sets before fending off a late College of Saint Benilde charge to score a 25-6, 25-13, 24-26, 25-23 triumph and become the only unbeaten team so far in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

With the Lady Blazers determined to send the game to a deciding frame, veteran Janine Marciano took over, scoring the match-winning hit to give the Lady Red Spikers their fifth consecutive win and the solo lead.

Later, Lyceum made short work of Jose Rizal University, 25-19, 25-22, 25-18, to nail its first victory of the season.

Marciano, who finished with 24 points, including a tournament-best nine service aces, and nine digs, was on fire in the opening frame as San Beda raced to a 17-0 advantage as St. Benilde was having problems with its reception.

The Lady Blazers fought back by winning the third set and were holding a 18-13 lead in the fourth when errors did them in.

An overreaching violation called on St. Benilde hitter Therese Veronas allowed San Beda to take a 22-19 advantage.

“Sa simula, superb. Yung second set follow up na lang ng first set so maganda ang iginalaw,” said Lady Red Spikers mentor Jeorge Sucaldito.

“Pero noong third set, yung normal mistakes ng players at ng team yung nagiging complacent kaya bumalik sa amin.  Yung fourth set, meron pang aftershock ng nangyari sa third set at mabuti, nakabangon. Tiwala naman ako sa kanila.” he added.

source: Journal Online

photo: NCAA Philippines