San Beda Red Lions. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
San Beda advanced to the championship round for the first time after denying University of Perpetual Help, 25-21, 25-15, 25-23, in the Final Four of the NCAA Season 93 women’s volleyball tournament on Friday.
The Lady Red Spikers, though, nearly fought a longer battle after trailing 19-16 in the third set but managed to take control anew with a 23-21 lead off an error from the Lady Altas.
Perpetual Help still tied the game at 23 after miscue from Ella Viray, before Sattriani Espiritu put San Beda at the match point with a booming quick kill and Jowie Albert Verzosa gave the winning-point as she sent the ball straight to the net.
“This is a great feeling because all the hard work the team put into the tournament finally paid off,” said San Beda head coach Nemesio Gavino in Filipino. “I told the players to slug it out in the third set and I was confident that they can do it.”
“I know my players’ attitude and they will give it their all no matter who the opponent is.”
Nieza Viray poured in 16 points to lead all scorers for San Beda while skipper Cesca Raqraquin and Ella combined for 16 points.
Cindy Imbo and Clemente had nine points apiece to lead the Lady Altas.