Mapua University hung tough to avert collapse against Jose Rizal University, 25-18, 25-19, 24-26, 21-25, 16-14, in the NCAA Season 101 women's volleyball on Wednesday at the EAC Gym in Manila.
Raissa Ricablanca rose to the occasion as the Lady Cardinals survived the pesky Lady Bombers despite blowing a 2-0 lead, climbing to 5-6 in Group A and improving their chances of booking an outright quarterfinal berth.
Ricablanca topped the scoring category with 23 points together with 15 digs, while veteran middle blocker Nicole Ong churned out 19 markers anchored on 14 attacks and five blocks as they sent JRU to a 2-10 card.
Ricablanca unloaded two consecutive kills from the opposite side to help Mapua establish a crucial 11-10 lead in the final frame, but JRU turned to middle blocker Kring Batara, whose two straight attacks allowed the Lady Bombers to seize a one-point cushion.
A kill from rookie Alexander Leabres saw Mapua taking the match point at 14-13, but Nicole Deala found a hold in Mapua's floor defense at the back row to force a deadlock and keep JRU alive.
NCAA scoring record holder Freighanne Garcia, though, responded with a down-the-line bullet before Deala overcooked her attack from the right side to pave the way for the Mapua victory.
Garcia finished with 16 points and 15 receptions while Leabres shone with 11 markers.
Czarina Ramos paced a near JRU upset victory after tallying 24 points while Deala and Batara chipped in 18 and 14 markers, respectively.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
