Winnie Bedaña and Jeff Marapoc powered University of Perpetual Help System DALTA as their squads opened their respective campaigns with three straight wins in the NCAA Season 100 volleyball tournament.
Bedaña had 11 points in the Lady Altas' 25-18, 28-26, 25-16 win against San Beda University last February 22, then followed by her best outing so far last February 27 when she scored 20 from 15 attacks, three aces, and two blocks as the Las Piñas-based squad won against Jose Rizal University, 25-17, 22-25, 25-14, 25-22.
The 23-year old middle blocker then continued her stellar performance last Saturday as she had 17 points from 15 attacks and two blocks in their 25-22, 25-21, 25-17 win against Lyceum of the Philippines University.
As one of the team's veterans, Bedaña is expected to be one of the more courageous players on the floor.
“Siguro sa akin, mas dinadaan ko na lang po sa tapang sa laro,” Bedaña said.
“Katulad po nung last game [against JRU], hindi po naging maganda start ko. Pero after ako masabihan ng mga coaches ko, tinapangan ko pa kasi may mga umaasang bata sa amin na kailangan may nakikita silang ate na matapang.”
Marapoc, meanwhile, is leading the Altas in their new chapter without reigning back-to-back Most Valuable Player Louie Ramirez and the late head coach Sammy Acaylar.
Last season’s Finals MVP had 15 points from 14 attacks, on top of six digs, and 15 receptions to open their campaign on a high note against San Beda, 25-22, 31-29, 25-23. This was followed by 13 points, 10 receptions, and six digs in their 25-20, 25-21, 25-19 victory against JRU.
Last Saturday, Marapoc had a 24-point outing in Perpetual’s 25-15, 25-16, 22-25, 19-25, 15-9 squeaker over LPU, where he also had 12 receptions.
“Nandiyan naman lagi ang pressure. Nasa iyo ‘yan kung paano mo i-handle pero naniniwala naman ako sa program ng mga coaches at sa mga teammates ko,” said the outside hitter.
With their outstanding performances, Bedaña and Marapoc were named as the first Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Players of the Week for Season 100.
Bedaña bested fellow Perpetualite Shaila Omipon, Mycah Go and Clydel Catarig of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, and Heart Villaflores of Arellano University, while Marapoc edged out teammate Kobe Tabuga, Ruther Abor and Paul Justine Say of EAC, Ar-Jay Ramos and Barbie San Andres of Mapua and Rocky Roy Motol of Benilde for the weekly honors selected by the media covering the collegiate beat.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
