Mapua University shrugged off a Set 1 loss, turning back Jose Rizal University with a 20-25, 25-16, 25-17, 25-23 win in the NCAA Season 101 men's volleyball tournament on Saturday at the San Andres Sports Complex.
The Cardinals turned to the troika of Barbie San Andres, Arjay Ramos, and Alvin Macadangdang as Mapua bounced back from a previous loss to San Sebastian College-Recoletos and improved to 2-1.
The graduating San Andres led the way with 19 points anchored on 16 attacks and three aces together with 11 digs while Ramos and Macadangdang chipped in 17 and 16 markers apiece.
The Heavy Bombers broke a 20-all deadlock off a Jake Fernandez middle play but Mapua was quick to regain a 22-21 cushion after back-to-back points from veterans San Andres and Olsen Jamisola.
Paolo Barrientos then unleashed a cross-court kill that allowed JRU to tie things up again at 22-all before their service error sent Mapua to a crucial 23-22 advantage.
Barrientos would force another deadlock in the next play, but a block against him and a JRU error saw Mapua walking away with the four-set victory.
Barrientos top-scored with 24 points built on 23 attacks and one block while also grabbing six digs and 18 receptions while Fernandez and Harry Ocay chipped in eight markers apiece.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
