Barbie San Andres picked up right where he left off after carrying Mapua University to a 25-22, 31-29, 15-25, 25-21 victory against Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the NCAA Season 99 men's volleyball tournament on Friday at Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The third-year outside hitter dropped another huge game, churning out a double-double outing of 22 points and 17 receptions as the Cardinals improved their playoff chances with a 2-4 card after opening their season with a dismal 0-4 slate.
The Knights, who were coming off two consecutive victories against JRU and Benilde, fell to an even 3-3.
San Andres' latest performance was a huge follow-up from his 38-point eruption during their five-set escape of Jose Rizal University last Tuesday.
"Siguro mas magaan kami gumalaw ngayon kasi nu'ng mga unang games namin parang maganda naman 'yung ginagawa namin sa training at sa mga tune-up pero sa game, parang takot na takot kami," San Andres told GMA News Online when asked about the team's sudden surge.
"Nu'ng nag-start na 'yung season parang mas pressured kami, takot na kami magkamali so naging stiff kami gumalaw. Ngayon, mas magaan na kami gumalaw. Ang goal na lang namin ay makuha 'yung ginagawa namin sa training."
(Perhaps we move lighter because during our previous games, we were good in training and in tune-up, but it seems like we were scared. It seems like we were pressured at the start of the season, we were afraid to make mistakes so we were stiff. Now, we can move more. Our goal is to translate what we are doing in training.)
With their goal in mind, the 21-year-old San Andres understood that he needs to be more effective both in leading and playing.
San Andres completed a power hit from the back to send Mapua to a much-needed 22-16 lead in the fourth set before Ar-jay Ramos made it a five-point advantage at 23-17.
The 5-foot-8 high-flyer then delivered the last two points, highlighted by the game-winning kill that saw him use the hands of Keith Wingco to seal the deal for the Cardinals.
Ramos provided the support with 18 points and six digs while team captain Karl Lastimosa chipped in 16 markers as the Aying Esteban-helmed squad pumped life to their Season 99 campaign.
John Derrick Bautista paced Letran with 17 points while both Vince Himzon and Steven Sta. Maria poured in 14 markers apiece.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
