The Mapua Cardinals come out of the gate swinging and winning in straight sets against the San Sebastian Lady Stags!
#NCAASeason99 #GMASports
#NCAASeason99 #GMASports
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00:00 We'll start this rally.
00:02 No need, setting it up.
00:07 So Kat Santos, who I'm expecting to have a bounce back season.
00:11 Wow, you will expect a lot from a lefty spiker, Adon.
00:19 It's hard to block that.
00:21 We can see here, that Rika Blanca gave it to Issa Janelle.
00:26 And I like that the hookie was activated immediately.
00:29 Yes.
00:30 Marasigan going up for the spike.
00:34 And by Mapua, Lady Cardinals.
00:37 And this is also a very young team, their core is mostly sophomores and juniors.
00:42 And now San Sebastian giving Mapua a taste of their own medicine with that block.
00:48 And the first step is always the warm up of both teams.
00:52 So who has a good back in the corner, that's why it's hard for Libero to defend.
00:59 Nice ball, nice ball.
01:01 Oh, combination play.
01:04 Okay.
01:06 What a great set there.
01:09 It's different when your setter is already old.
01:12 Those kinds of plays, it's really hard to...
01:15 What Coach Rogers said, it's true, they're lacking in reception.
01:19 Because they lost a good Libero, Jewel Vermilio.
01:24 So it's important that you have a strong Libero.
01:28 Because the Liberos, they're the ones who are organizing.
01:32 We're just receiving our position.
01:34 We also organize the defense of the team.
01:37 So we are taking a look at the very young rookie Libero from San Sebastian,
01:42 Floyd Florenci Lazarte.
01:45 So there, that's what Melissa Gohing is doing.
01:52 Back in the day, and perhaps tells us that the rotation is deep.
01:57 And also, these players, especially the new ones, are ready to contribute right away.
02:03 Yes, and this is their first gaming also, the players from the bench.
02:09 We are seeing Garcia Enrica Blanca from Mapua contributing right away.
02:17 Now for San Sebastian, it's the usual suspects, just like Tina Maracigan as we see here.
02:24 And outside spike.
02:27 So you really need to be in a position to go back.
02:30 If you're not in a good position, you won't be able to get her spike.
02:34 Her scoring dip last season as compared to her rookie year.
02:39 Last season, she was only putting up 12.9 points per match.
02:44 In her rookie year, she was the top scorer in the league.
02:48 Back row attack.
02:53 We love to see back row attacks, especially from young players, rookies and sophomores.
02:58 Supposedly, it was a solid block, but it net-touched.
03:09 It net after.
03:13 So it's a big thing that now these kids are playing in Taraflex.
03:17 Although it's been like a decade already since they implemented the Taraflex type of court.
03:24 The ball is back here in San Sebastian.
03:27 It's not missing. Setting it up.
03:29 Cat Santos popped up by Ong Gohal.
03:32 Tossed it up to Super Roxie De La Cruz.
03:36 The set was a bit far, but De La Cruz was able to adjust.
03:42 And then, she was able to get a cross on the front line.
03:46 And that's really hard for the outs on San Sebastian now.
03:52 It's not missing. Tossing it up.
03:58 Gohal, back set.
04:02 Wow!
04:03 It's so hard to block a lefty from the opposite side.
04:10 Rhyza Janelle Rica Blanca, breaking down the wall.
04:16 Yes.
04:17 But their team though, down by seven here in the opening set.
04:23 Gohal to Papiera. Popped up by Marasigan.
04:28 It's not missing. Tossing it up to Santos.
04:31 Both teams have the same numbers of unforced errors.
04:35 But from the Mapua side, they utilize their offense more.
04:41 And they converted it.
04:42 They're having a hard time with their defense and their reception.
04:45 So they can't convert their offense into points.
04:49 Like for example, that set was far.
04:53 When the set is close, they can convert it.
04:56 That's what he's looking for.
05:03 And coming off that timeout, you go to their best spiker, Roxy De La Cruz.
05:10 Soaring in for the kill.
05:14 Her upping was so good.
05:18 Her hang time was so long in the air.
05:20 That's why it's hard for the blockers to block her.
05:23 And this is the matchup right here, Melissa.
05:26 Their spikers are two points.
05:29 So that the runner won't get tired.
05:32 So that's where she jumped.
05:34 But right now, they are going almost exclusively to Roxy De La Cruz.
05:41 And she is showing us that she is looking like she's going to take her game to another level.
05:46 So they don't need me anymore. They can do it.
05:50 And another thing your team was very known for was dishing two very important things for volleyball success.
05:58 And it's different when you have an advantage in height, especially in net.
06:02 Because that's the first defense in net.
06:05 And it's different when you have solid blockers because the defense of the team will be organized.
06:11 Parasigan.
06:13 A lot of power behind that spike.
06:16 Going from open spiker to middle blocker.
06:19 I always ask the players who convert positions, how do they adjust?
06:26 And some players find it difficult.
06:28 But some of the players, they just train for that position.
06:33 And especially now that teams have coaches for middle blockers for their positions.
06:39 So it's great that KJ Jonesio is very versatile.
06:47 Because you don't know, she can outside when she needs to.
06:52 Because KJ is tall, no choice but to convert her.
06:57 When they are timely, calling them at the right time, they matter so much.
07:05 The way the game is running and Kat Santos with a missed hit.
07:10 Mapua will take the opening set here in their opening match of Season 99 of the NCAA.
07:20 We'll be back for set number 2.
07:22 It's surprising.
07:24 Perpetual in particular, moving from this venue to the much bigger venue of Filoay.
07:31 Fran Garcia.
07:34 Like what you've said Anton, it's true.
07:38 You're adjusting the height of the court and the size of the court.
07:43 But not on crucial moments.
07:46 Okay, I'm glad you stressed that Melissa.
07:49 But we give a little bit of leeway to the freshmen.
07:53 Or froshies as Lasallians would call them.
08:00 Kat Santos.
08:03 Kat Santos getting the point in.
08:07 And down the line.
08:08 She's a smart player.
08:11 The La Cruz challenged at the top of the net.
08:15 La Pointe for the Lady Saks.
08:18 And I like how Dimaculangan is also very active on the block.
08:22 Speaking of Dimaculangan, consistent from the back line.
08:26 And to me, the player that comes to mind is always Gretzel Soltones.
08:32 Yes.
08:33 And based from my experience, her back line attacks are very defensive.
08:39 Like a front line, Anton.
08:41 And during her San Sebastian days, she's really good.
08:47 Yes.
08:48 These days, the Gen Z call those types of players "babaw".
08:52 Serving now is Roxie de la Cruz.
08:54 San Sebastian's libero is really tall.
08:58 Yes.
08:59 It's noticeable.
09:01 Bas-bas.
09:05 Nice pass.
09:06 Quick attack.
09:07 And Baviera is feeling it.
09:09 5-4, 5-5.
09:14 And looking at her right now on the bench of San Sebastian,
09:18 it's like she's one of the tallest.
09:20 Oh, what a save right there.
09:22 What a save by the new libero of Mabua.
09:26 Gina, goal.
09:29 These two teams are really good, including the crowd.
09:33 Because the first match, in the men's, they scored 5 cents.
09:37 So it was a thrilling 5-cent match.
09:42 And now it's carrying over here to the women's side.
09:46 Let's see this attack combination.
09:48 So it's like Melissa is coming out.
09:51 It's the rookie libero who's the receiving libero.
09:56 Yes.
09:57 Mabua's side.
10:04 Garcia.
10:06 Santos.
10:09 Bas-bas.
10:10 And that's what I was explaining earlier.
10:15 Sometimes, the libero sets the pace.
10:17 And that's what Bas-bas did for De La Cruz.
10:20 That was on the block.
10:22 Trixie Gohol has to know all the variations per spiker on her squad.
10:30 But there are spikers like Roxy De La Cruz who are really good.
10:38 No matter what type of set you toss to her,
10:42 because she's a high-flying player, she'll keep on hitting it.
10:46 Her hangtime is really long.
10:48 And her clip on the airline.
10:50 I'm waiting for her fans to bring back that super Roxy banner.
10:57 She has a fan club with Susan 98.
11:05 She's warming up for her first match.
11:08 Wow! Rica Blanca. No need for a warm-up.
11:12 She is introducing herself to the NCAA viewing public in her debut match.
11:21 Mabua.
11:26 And their defense is really good on the net.
11:32 And for a team that Coach Roger describes as lacking in height, that's a good sign.
11:38 Their place and defense is better from the side of the Lady Cardinal.
11:48 Gohol.
11:51 Wow! That's the most powerful hit we've seen from Aliana Ong today.
11:56 And Gohol answered my question.
11:59 Gohol.
12:00 And we see the improvement.
12:07 Last year, Gohol's ranking wasn't high.
12:11 She was number 7 in the best setter race.
12:14 So I guess she's taking it upon herself to level up her game now that she's in her third year.
12:22 And with experience, a setter can become a parent.
12:27 And that's what Gohol is showing to us.
12:30 Gohol. Back set for Rica Blanca.
12:36 No need for a warm-up.
12:38 De La Cruz.
12:40 Again, working hard from the back row.
12:43 Wow!
12:44 What a powerful spike!
12:46 That's a rookie!
12:48 Yes.
12:52 So what more if Garcia will play next year and the next years?
12:57 Which is one of the hotbeds for volleyball.
13:01 What are you eating, Ken?
13:03 Lipa Patangas.
13:05 Meanwhile, Kat Santos reminding us who she is.
13:11 One of our more well-rounded and best spikers here in NCAA Women's Volleyball.
13:17 They're on the cross because their cross is closed.
13:20 Go!
13:21 Santos.
13:26 Gohol. Who will she go to?
13:28 Goes to the middle to the captain!
13:30 And...
13:31 Manolo!
13:32 That's probably the happiest celebration I've seen for Mapua,
13:38 knowing that it was their captain who scored.
13:41 The set was too close to the net.
13:44 So it's really hard to put it on the downed line.
13:47 It will be not over.
13:50 Wow!
13:51 Running attack.
13:52 Okay, that impressed me.
13:56 KJ Dionisio, looking like a middle blocker.
14:00 You were waiting for that, Anton.
14:02 What's scary about Mapua, with regards to the finish,
14:09 there are a lot of things that can be closer to them now.
14:12 Yes.
14:13 Just like this girl right here, Garcia.
14:19 And hands down to their rookies.
14:22 Their rookies in '97, still playing now, their rookie, Dela Cruz.
14:27 So for Mapua to bring in this crop of young players,
14:32 it's great for their volleyball program.
14:34 Yes.
14:43 Earlier, the blocking of the ladies' tags was good.
14:46 But now, the ladies' cardinals, Bumabawang, is in the front line.
14:50 Their block is really getting stronger.
14:52 You can see her height, she's really in the lead.
14:55 And Aliana Ong is one of the best blockers here in NCA women's volleyball.
15:02 Dionisio.
15:05 And now...
15:08 Players active at the top of the net.
15:13 And Garcia, gaining confidence with every point.
15:19 Remember the name, we'll be saying it a lot this season.
15:26 Freyan Chanel.
15:28 If she can add that to her game, we might be talking about her
15:35 all the time.
15:36 as an MVP candidate.
15:38 Yes.
15:40 [whistle]
15:41 This is three straight points for San Sebastian, Melissa.
15:46 It's more of consistency, good start, or the consistency of the team.
15:54 And Anton got the point.
15:58 Coach Roger is about to time out.
16:02 I know he's going to tell his players.
16:05 He's been sounding like a broken record in this game, talking about the errors.
16:10 Roxy De La Cruz, above the blockers.
16:15 It's really hard to stop her, one on one.
16:18 Above, yes.
16:19 When her block is single, she's checking out.
16:23 She's really a parent.
16:25 I remember one of your close friends, Phil Cayetano.
16:32 I was going to say that, she's actually on top of my mind.
16:37 I remember in one of my interviews with her, she said,
16:41 "If the blocker is big, check out, check out."
16:44 [laughter]
16:46 That's her discard.
16:48 And for Mapuha, Mapuha's doing good, especially their first set.
16:54 Coach Aing said, "Just stick to the system, and don't lose."
16:59 Mel, what was the most nervous you've ever felt in a match?
17:04 It's probably my first time that I was hit randomly.
17:09 I was a rookie.
17:11 So I was like, "What? Libero?"
17:13 And then, "Okay, okay."
17:14 And that was the start of your story.
17:16 And we were up against USP.
17:18 Wow.
17:19 Aiza Maizo.
17:20 Oh.
17:21 And Geta Baquero.
17:22 Oh my gosh.
17:24 Was Rhea there already?
17:26 Yes.
17:28 That was a powerhouse.
17:29 Yes.
17:30 Those were the glory days.
17:32 Unforgettable game.
17:34 The pre-social media years.
17:37 Yes.
17:38 And the OGs, no.
17:40 [laughter]
17:42 That's why it's always nice to bring back an OG here
17:47 to relive the glory days.
17:50 And now we are ushering in a new era of talent,
17:53 and we're so glad to see the tradition continue
17:57 of talented young athletes continue to elevate the game
18:02 and bring it forward.
18:03 And you see the rookie players really performing well
18:07 and giving a lot of points for their team.
18:11 New setter on the floor for San Sebastian,
18:22 that's Mary Ann Margaret Adia.
18:25 Wearing jersey number 5.
18:28 So last year they had Bea Sison who was their captain and setter.
18:36 Now they have two rookie setters, Melissa.
18:38 Our follow, we have an objective to kill.
18:43 We're not going to kill the ball.
18:45 We're not going to die if the follow is soft on the tissue paper.
18:50 One pass, one pass.
18:52 Let's just do the basics.
18:54 And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the first "banat"
18:59 by Coach Roger.
19:01 We were waiting for that, Anton, the quotable quotes.
19:04 KJ Dionisio, new season, new role.
19:09 From open spiker to middle blocker, Maracigan.
19:15 [whistle]
19:16 Trina Maracigan.
19:20 [music]
19:25 That was a good down the line hit.
19:28 And...
19:29 Arting Demiang.
19:30 [whistle]
19:34 De La Cruz.
19:38 [whistle]
19:39 Roxy De La Cruz.
19:41 I am really impressed.
19:46 The ball was really good so that the plays of Mapua could be more organized.
19:51 Yeah, they're a good tandem right now.
19:55 See, Van Abas-Baset, Robustes.
19:58 Patong.
20:07 [whistle]
20:11 And the rookies continue to contribute for Mapua.
20:16 Raisa Janelle Rica Blanca.
20:19 The ladies that was expecting them.
20:25 It's just a single block.
20:29 We can't pass the ball through a single block.
20:32 Single block.
20:37 [whistle]
20:42 Game now, game now.
20:53 Another quotable quotes then.
21:00 Well, it's true because earlier, it reminded me...
21:06 I remember last season, Coach Roger said...
21:10 He was just watching...
21:13 Of course, he said it in a joking manner.
21:15 He said it jokingly.
21:17 He was just watching San Sebastian to hear his huddles.
21:21 Of course, he wants his players to respond in a positive way.
21:28 And let's see, they still have time.
21:30 Cat Santos.
21:31 There we go.
21:34 Don't be afraid.
21:35 But there was no call, so it was a point for Mapua.
21:39 De La Cruz.
21:42 [whistle]
21:44 And Mapua is able to finish it.
21:47 Wow, what a game this game, Anton.
21:50 Let's take a look at the final play.
21:55 There's the rookie setter, Dimaculangan.
21:57 De La Cruz to Gohol.
22:02 To the captain, Teret Manalo.
22:04 Finishing the match.
22:07 In emphatic fashion.