Rookies Ricablanca, Garcia lead Mapua rout of EAC to arrest skid

Published April 20, 2024 5:03pm

Updated April 20, 2024 5:03pm

Mapua University relied on the rookie duo of Raissa Ricablanca and Freigh Anne Garcia in breaking out of its slump as they swept Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-19, 25-16, 25-21, in NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

The Lady Cardinals, who were coming off back-to-back losses to Arellano and Perpetual, halted their slide to improve to an even 2-2 card while the Lady Generals remained in hunt for their breakthrough as they stumbled to 0-4.

Starring for the Intramuros squad are two promising freshmen.

The lefty opposite hitter in Ricablanca top-scored the squad with 16 points anchored on 13 attacks, two aces, and one block while outside hitter Garcia provided the lift with 15 markers on top of nine digs.

The tandem played a huge role in the win, especially with their main offensive weapon in Roxie Dela Cruz sitting out the second set and being limited to a rare scoreless outing.

Mapua’s huge turnaround in the final frame came from back-to-back attacks  by Ricablanca in the right wing, which enabled them to seize a sizable 16-11 cushion.

But EAC continued to rally, digging deep from their bench with Alessandra Razonable pouring in points to help their starters Cath Almazan and Jen Omapas. The Lady Generals were able to trim the gap to just three, 16-19, but a 3-0 rampage saw Mapua enjoying a pivotal 23-17 upper hand.

Errors hurt EAC in the endgame with Omapas overcooking her attack, giving the opposing side the match point at 24-19. Another error from EAC easily allowed Mapua to cruise to the victory.

Only five Lady Generals were able to score, led by the nine-point outing of Almazan while Razonable, who was only inserted to the game in the third set, finished with eight markers. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News