MANILA – San Beda University Lady Red Spikers achieved their first win in the NCAA Season 100 women’s volleyball tournament, overcoming the San Sebastian College Lady Stags, 21-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-13 on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City.
Angel Habacon bucked a knee injury to score a team-high of 25 points, consisting of 24 attacks and one service ace, as the Lady Red Spikers notched their first victory after a 0-10 start.
Janelle Bachar and Erin Navarro had 21 and 12 points, respectively, while Negrense Reyann Cañete also had a double-digit contribution of 10 points for the Lady Red Spikers.
“Our positive vibes on the court made us decide not to let off-court issues affect us. When it comes to the game, we focus solely on that,” said Habacon, referring to their mid-season coaching switch.
“It feels so light now that the burden is gone, and no one is pulling us down, so we just did our best, enjoyed ourselves, and supported each other to reach the top,” the sophomore hitter added.
San Beda interim head coach Joshua Noda expressed his delight at the team’s first victory this season, noting that the players have slowly adapted to the system he is implementing.
“It is actually overwhelming because it is our first win. We have been waiting a long time for this moment. Fortunately, we achieved it against Baste,” said Noda, who was recently tapped to replace former San Beda coach Edgar Barroga.
“The new system we are teaching the players needs to be adapted. Initially, they struggled to adjust, but today’s game showed that they are gradually getting it,’ he continued.
Following this defeat, the Lady Stags’ record fell to 6-5.
Meanwhile, Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights (9-2) swiftly defeated University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas (7-4), 27-25, 25-23, 25-21. Rookie Verenicce Colendra was named Player of the Game after tallying career-best 13 points./PN
