Jeff Marapoc shows up in endgame as Perpetual sinks Mapua to 0-3

Published April 17, 2024 7:24pm

Updated April 17, 2024 7:24pm

Jeff Marapoc led the way to steer University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to a 25-16, 21-25, 25-14, 25-18 victory against slumping Mapua University in the NCAA Season 99 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Marapoc poured in the last two crucial points en route to a 19-point outing anchored in 17 attacks, one block, and one ace which he laced with four digs as the ALTAs remained unscathed with a 3-0 card. 

The Cardinals still could not get out of their slump to drop to a 0-3 hole. 

A Marapoc drop late in the fourth frame sent the three-time defending champion to a sizable 20-13 cushion as Mapua continued to commit costly errors on the floor. 

However, the Cardinals made up for it with a 4-0 barrage capped by a net touch error from Perpetual that cut their deficit to just three, 20-17. Mapua’s Karl Lastimosa killed one from the opposite side to make it a 21-18 affair. 

A strong endgame from Perpetual made all the difference with back-to-back errors from Mapua giving the Las Piñas crew a 23-18 lead before Marapoc hammered two consecutive attacks from the back row to seal it. 

Team captain and reigning MVP Louie Ramirez chipped in 13 points alongside 22 receptions while middle blocker KC Andrade chimed in with 10 markers as they won despite the absence of head coach Sammy Acaylar. 

Barbie San Andres paced Mapua with a team-high 17 points spiked with 12 digs and 20 receptions while Alvin Macadangdang poured in 11 markers. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News