NCAA: Mapua, Lyceum bag wins to open women’s volleyball bids

Mapua Lady Cardinals in the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament. –NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Mapua outlasted San Sebastian, 25-20, 25-23, 25-18,  at San Andres Gym on Tuesday to begin its bid for the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball championship.

Lady Cardinals coach Clarence Esteban said that the win is a testament to how much they want to improve from last season’s shortcomings and beginning the season with a win was a step in the right direction.

“Our target is to be the champions but a podium finish isn’t bad either for us. At least our performances keep on improving,” said Esteban in Filipino.

Esteban also lauded the efforts of Roxie Dela Cruz, who unloaded 18 points to give Mapua a campaign-opening victory.

“She’s not like a sophomore to the team anymore because she was already a huge part of our run last year… She’s the one guiding the kids and I’m really grateful for that.”

Helping the second-year spiker on offense for the Lady Cardinals were Freigh Anne Garcia and Raissa Ricablanca, who scored 11 and 13, respectively, in the win.

Lyceum Lady Pirates in the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament. –NCAA PHOTO

Meanwhile, Lyceum dumped San Beda, 25-17, 13-25, 15-15, 25-21, behind the efforts of rising star Joan Doguna.

Doguna unleashed 17 points to power the Lady Pirates to a win of their own while Johna Dolorito and Janeth Tulang helped the cause with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

The Lady Red Spikers, meanwhile, turned to the duo of Angel Mae Habacon and Chynna Castillo, who scored 15 and 11 points, respectively but to no avail.