Barbie San Andres dropped a season-high 33 points to lead Mapua University past the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 25-21, 25-21, 12-25, 17-25, 15-13, on Friday in the NCAA Season 100 men's volleyball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
San Andres' 33 point-outing was anchored on 30 attacks, along with two aces and a block as the Cardinals improved to 12-1.
This is also their second straight win after absorbing their first loss against Arellano University last April 27.
In the final set, the Cardinals were leading 13-10 before Kobe Brian Taguba cut the ALTAs' deficit. San Andres' attack went out, but he managed to make up and put the Intramuros-based squad at match point. Tabuga salvaged one for Perpetual before Mapua called for time. The final point took awhile before it was decided as the referee reviewed the final play. In the end, a net fault was called on the ALTAs which eventually handed the victory for Mapua.
Apparently, San Andres asked to take over during the crucial moments of the match.
"Nung crucial na, kinausap ko na rin 'yung setter namin na sige, isugal mo na sa akin, ilalaban ko 'to. Nilalakasan ko ang loob ko na alam ko sa sarili ko na basta may tiwala lang siya sa akin. Sabi ko sa kaniya lalo na nung fifth set, ang sabi ko sa kanya sige magtiwala ka lang sa akin, 'di kita bibiguin," the senior spiker said.
Olsen Jamisola returned to play after missing their last match and posted 16 points, while Arjay Ramos added 12p oints. Juancho Barba also made all of Mapua's 24 excellent sets.
Tabuga's 24-point outing was spoiled by the win, as Jeff Marapoc and KC Andrade had 17 and 13 points, respectively. John Castil also had 12 points for the ALTAs who slipped to 7-5.
Mapua will play again on Sunday against San Beda University.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
