Article by: John Marvin A. Cosino and Crismhil S. Anselmo
Graphics by: Albert Dylan D. David and Crismhil S. Anselmo
Photos by: Stacy de Guzman
The Mapúa Junior Spikers flew their way up to fourth place in the recent Beach Volleyball Tournament of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 held at the Subic Bay Sand Court in Subic, Zambales last February 4 to 9.
Prior to the tournament, the Junior Spikers—comprising Team Captain Paul Alforque, Kimmy Liray, Alex Pillonar, and Grayhood Baylon—went through a rigorous 11-day training period in Banna, Ilocos Norte, along with Head Coach Ralph Ocampo .
According to Assistant Coach John Patrick de Guzman, they maximized the training, focusing on individual skill, partnership, and achieving the proper mindset.
The juniors’ team kickstarted their campaign with several resounding victories, earning a six-game win streak to rise as the top seed by the third day of the tournament. Despite absorbing consecutive losses against eventual finalists Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers and Arellano University (AU) Braves, the team managed to secure a spot in the final four, even forcing a do-or-die semis game against AU.
Wings in full spread, the Junior Spikers succumbed in a three-set thriller against the white jerseys to settle for a battle for bronze against the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Squires, where they wrapped their campaign with a fourth-place finish. Setting a 6-3 record in the elims and clinching a semis berth the season proved to be an improvement from the last, despite the shorter preparation period.
Gearing up for the upcoming indoor volleyball tournament, Coach JP stated that “as early as now, they would know what are the things that they need to focus on.” He mentioned they will be highlighting the juniors’ receiving and digging skills before they take part to defend the championship crown they won last season.
The Mapúa Men’s Volleyball Team and Lady Cardinals also painted the sands with red and gold grit in the NCAA Senior Men’s and Women’s Beach Volleyball Tournament. The teams are set to compete in their first matchups for the Indoor Volleyball competition this coming February 21.