Roxie Dela Cruz weaved an all-around performance to steer Mapua University to a 25-20, 25-23, 25-18 romp against San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the NCAA Season 99 women's volleyball tournament on Tuesday at the San Andres Sports Complex.
The sophomore star, who was one of the leaders for the Lady Cardinals last season, put together 18 points anchored on 16 attacks and two aces as they opened their campaign on a high note.
The do-it-all outside spiker got ample help from their rookies Raissa Ricablanca and Freigh Anne Garcia, who tallied 13 and 11 markers apiece with the former chipping in three digs.
Dela Cruz poured in bulk of her production in the third frame to make sure Mapua wouldn't collapse this time following their Season 98 campaign that saw them reach five sets multiple times.
She nailed five straight points as they built an 11-5 cushion before the lefty Ricablanca buried back-to-back points that allowed the Intramuros crew to establish a 16-8 separation.
Kath Santos refused to surrender as the third year open spiker soared from the back row followed by a Dela Cruz attack error as San Sebastian cut their deficit to seven at 16-23.
But plenty of errors from the Roger Gorayeb-led squad proved costly as Mapua cruised to the match point following a wide attack from KJ Dionisio before team captain Tere Manalo sealed the deal, destroying the double block of Amaka Tan and Juna Gonzales.
Santos paced the Lady Stags with 12 points while Dionisio and Tina Marasigan each registered seven markers.
In the first game, San Sebastian's men's volleyball team pulled off a reverse sweep against Mapua University to eke out an 18-25, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23, 15-10 victory.
Kyle Villamor led the comeback with 24 points while Joshua Espenida and Rhenmart Alba chimed in with 19 and 14 markers apiece as they spoiled the 29-point outing from Barbie San Andres.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
