The NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament held its final quarterfinals clash at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna, on Friday. After a tense match, the San Beda Lady Red Spikers outlasted the Mapúa Lady Cardinals, 25-21, 24-26, 21-25, 28-26, 15-13, in a five-set thriller. The win allowed San Beda to secure the last Final Four berth.
Mapua forced the win-or-go-home clash with a 25-22, 25-22, 25-21 straight-sets stunner on Tuesday.
San Beda started strong by taking the opening set, but Mapúa responded by claiming the next two frames to move within a set of advancing. The fourth set turned into a tense battle, as the Lady Red Spikers managed to edge the Lady Cardinals in an extended finish, 28-26, to force a deciding fifth set.
San Beda Wins Tense Fifth Set
The final frame was tightly contested, with both squads tied at 10-all before Angel Mae Habacon sparked a crucial run. San Beda strung together three consecutive points, including two powerful attacks from Habacon, to take a 13-10 lead.
Mapua refused to back down and saved two match points to cut the deficit to 14-13. However, Habacon delivered the decisive off-the-block hit to seal the victory and end the Lady Cardinals’ campaign.
Habacon powered San Beda with 28 points, all from attacks, while also contributing 21 digs and double-digit receptions. Janelle Bachar provided strong support with 26 points, while Katleya Molina added 12 markers.
Raissa Ricablanca led Mapúa with 24 points, while Freighanne Garcia turned in an all-around effort with 21 points and 30 receptions. Setter Angellick Gavica also orchestrated the offense with 31 excellent sets in the Lady Cardinals’ final game of the season.
A Century-Old Rivalry in the Semis: Letran vs. San Beda
With the victory, San Beda advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2019. It will face the unbeaten Letran Lady Knights in a best-of-three series beginning Sunday in Bacoor, Cavite.
