Mapua University survived Colegio de San Juan de Letran in a five-set thriller, 22-25, 25-21, 20-25, 27-25, 17-15, in the NCAA Season 100 men's volleyball tournament on Thursday at the San Beda University gym in Manila.
The Cardinals and the Knights were tied at nine in the fifth set before a service error from Ar-jay Ramos gave Letran the lead. Barbie San Andres, one of Mapua's leading scorers, then suffered from cramps which saw Mapua play its final stretch without one of its veterans.
Letran had the first taste of matchpoint at 14-13 after an attack error from Mapua, but Ramos delivered again for the Cardinals. Dave Thomas Lardizabal's attack went out of bounds to give Mapua a 15-14 lead, but he made sure to make up for it as he tied the set at 15. Ramos then put Mapua in front before Alvin Macadangdang's block sealed the victory for the Cardinals.
Ramos had 25 points from 24 attacks and an ace, while San Andres had 17 points all from attacks before he was brought out of the game. The Cardinals improved to 2-0.
The win spoiled Bembem Bautista's 29-point outing, 24 of which came from attacks, three aces, and two blocks as Letran slipped to 1-1.
In the women's division, meanwhile, Letran defeated Mapua, 25-21, 32-34, 25-11, 25-21.
Rookie Vanessa Sarie had 22 points anchored on 20 attacks, while Judiel Nitura had 18 points as the Lady Knights notched its second win in the season.
Seanelle Garcia had 14 points, while Raissa Ricablanca and Nicole Ong had 13 and 10 points, respectively as Mapua slipped to 0-2.
Mapua will face Lyceum of the Philippines University on March 7, while Letran will take on De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on March 8.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
