Barbie San Andres was firing on all cylinders, carrying Mapua University to a 21-25, 25-22, 25-22, 23-25, 15-12 escape against Jose Rizal University to break through in the NCAA Season 99 men's volleyball tournament on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The veteran outside hitter erupted for a massive season-high 38 points anchored on 35 attacks and three blocks on top of nine digs as the Cardinals finally arrested their slump to improve to 1-4.
The Heavy Bombers, meanwhile, slipped to 0-5 hole despite a gallant stand.
Mapua wasted an early advantage in the fourth set where the Intramuros crew could have won it in four sets, blowing a 14-9 lead after JRU unleashed an 8-0 run to snatch the momentum and eventually force a decider.
Middle blocker Adrian Musni then made sure Mapua would take control early in the fifth with back-to-back quick attacks, 2-0, before San Andres sent them to a much-needed 10-7 cushion.
Musni once again unloaded a quick kill, 13-9, while San Andres ended a long rally with his cross court hammer to deliver the match point at 14-10.
JRU would still answer with a quick 2-0 barrage but San Andres' final play put the seal for Mapua.
Musni and Karl Lastimosa each tallied 11 points to provide the support while Kenneth Eslapor chipped in 10 markers.
JRU, on the other hand, was led by the tandem of team captain Windel Laurenciana and Ken Daynata with the former churning out 21 points and 18 receptions while the latter chimed in with 18 markers and seven digs.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
