SAN Beda College fended off a fierce challenge put up by an already-ran Mapua and eked out a 25-16, 25-15, 22-25, 20-25, 15-9 win Friday to book at least a playoff for a Final Four berth in the women’s division of the 92nd NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
Francesca Racraquin fired 16 hits, all of which came on kills, while Satrianni Espiritu scattered 13 points, including a match-best five on blocks to help push the Red Spikers closer to barging into the Final Four with a 6-3 record.
San Beda could clinch an outright spot in the next round if Lyceum of the Philippines University and Perpetual Help, currently at fifth and sixth places with 5-3 and 4-3 records, respectively, would lose a game.
The Lady Pirates face off with the San Sebastian Lady Stags, the current leader with a perfect 7-0 record, on Jan. 25, while the Lady Altas will tackle the Arellano U Lady Chiefs also on Jan. 25.
If either or both LPU and Perpetual Help manage to get their sixth win, all ties will be broken by playoffs.
“We took care of business, that’s the most important thing. Now we’ll just wait,” said San Beda coach Nemesio Gavino.
The Lady Cardinals closed out their campaign winless in nine outings.
In men’s action, San Beda turned back Mapua, 22-25, 25-23, 25-13, 25-13, to complete the Final Four cast.
Mark Christian Enciso unloaded a match-best 16 hits, while Gerald Zabala, Adrian Viray, Limuel Patenio and Mark Lorenze Santos contributed 12, 10, 10 and 10 points, respectively, to help the Red Spikers book a spot in the Final Four and join early entrant St. Benilde (7-1) there with a 7-2 mark.
The win also clinched Arellano University (6-2) and defending champion Perpetual Help (6-1) slots to the next round.
Games Monday
(Filoil Flying V Center)
9:30 a.m.- EAC vs CSJL (m)
11 a.m.- EAC vs CSJL (w)
12:30 p.m.- SSC vs LPU (w)
2 p.m.- SSC vs LPU (m)
3:30 p.m.- SSC vs LPU (jrs)