RED SPIKERS CLIPS CARDINALS' WINGS

Returning to action in the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gym last January 10, 2012 was but a walk in the park for the San Beda Red Spikers as they caged the efforts of the MAPUA Cardinals in three straight sets of 25-18, 25-16, and 25-16. 

After two unforced errors in the very beginning of set one, the Red Spikers were able to turn things around from a score of 0-2 to 3-2 with a two point serving run and an ace by Team Captain James Lorca. It was only until Outside Hitter Mhelvic Biscocho’s strong line drive and Opposite Hitter Gilbert Ablan’s service ace that the team’s lead was secured. With the momentum on San Beda’s side, Outside Hitter Lorenzo Capate flew high and smashed a shooter set down the middle to make the score 15-8. MAPUA fought bravely with a five point service run, but Ablan refused them a comeback with a strong hit from the right side to keep them at 19-14. The set ended with a service ace from Kevin Austria.

            

With Lorca delivering another three point serving run right off the bat, the MAPUA squad was immediately given trouble in the second set. Utilizing a cross play to pull the blockers away, Lorca gave Capate the opportunity to bounce a ball to the roof, making the score 4-2. The Red Spikers maintained their consistency with the help of Ablan’s sprawling dig, saving the day for a score of 9-6. It was only until 19-14 that either team showed any inclination for more dynamic play. Middle Hitter Jay-R Loria hit a hard cross court from the middle. Ablan, not wanting to be left out, showed some finesse with a shot over the MAPUA middle blocker to make the score 20-16. Set two ended with yet another service ace from Austria.

Starting with a sudden line-up change, set three started rather shakily. Loria began the Bedan onslaught with a three point serving run and an ace to make the score 5-2. Middle Hitter Carlo Rodriguez showed what he could bring to the table by hitting the ten-foot line to clinch the lead. With a precision jump backset from Setter Rey Africa to Opposite Hitter Lord-Sanchez Luna, the latter was able to bury the ball for a score of 17-11. At 20-11, Ablan chose to bring out the big guns and jump serve for an ace. The match ended with Loria forcefully pounding the ball from the middle.

Meanwhile, the Lady Red Spikers triumphed over the MAPUA Cardinals with scores of 25-16, 25-13, and 25- 14. There was no love lost between the two teams as the Bedan ladies pummeled kill after kill as if it were bird-hunting season.