Mapua University has proven in the past that it's not just a one-man show.
That's exactly what the Lady Cardinals will once again flaunt when they usher in a fresh start in the NCAA Season 100 women's volleyball tournament that unfurls on February 20.
Mapua lost a rising star in Roxie Dela Cruz in the offseason after the explosive spiker decided to jump ship to neighboring Lyceum of the Philippines University.
That will set the stage for the others to rise to the occasion as the Lady Cardinals gun for a Final Four return trip after missing out last season with a 6-3 win-loss record.
Leading the pack now are Raissa Ricablanca and Freighanne Garcia, two incoming sophomores who have showed a lot of promises last year by proving they are two-way players who can emerge as the Lady Cardinals' new go-to women.
Also returning are other key holdovers in outside spiker Hannah De Guzman and veteran middle blockers Tere Manalo and Nicole Ong as they remain intact for the upcoming centennial season.
Completing Mapua's roster are Vanessa Basbas, Nadine Berces, Gregchelle Cabadin, Franchesca Esteban, Freebie Gacula, Angelik Gavica, Princess Manarang, Clarence Marcos, and Theresa Tambasacan.
In the men's side, Mapua will still have hard-hitting Barbie San Andres as he looks to steer the squad anew after a lackluster 3-6 win-loss card last season.
Joining him are Juancho Barba, Marc Caballero, John Galicia, Ramil Gripo, Saint Jamisola, Alvin Macadangdang, Adrian Musni, Zyldjan Quemada, Ar-Jay Ramos, Patrick Reyes, Kalvyn Topacio, Jayvee Valenzuela, and Joseph Yap.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
