Red Spikers survive Cards, earn playoff

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda fended off also-ran Mapua’s fierce comeback and hacked out a 25-16, 25-15, 22-25, 20-25, 15-9 decision yesterday to secure at least a playoff for the last Final Four berth in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Francesca Racraquin unloaded 16 attack points while Satrianni Espiritu added 13 hits, including a match-best five on blocks to help lift the Red Spikers past the tough-fighting Lady Cardinals’ side for a 6-3 record.

San Beda could clinch an outright spot in the next round if any from Lyceum of the Phl U or Perpetual Help, currently tied at fifth with 5-3 marks, respectively, drops its last game.

The Lady Pirates tangle with the unbeaten San Sebastian Lady Stags on Jan. 25 while the Lady Altas, who beat the Jose Rizal U Bombers, 25-23, 25-22, 24-26, 25-15, collide with the Arellano U Lady Chiefs, also on Jan. 25.

However, victories by either LPU or Perpetual Help would pave the way for playoffs.

“We took care of business, that’s the most important thing. Now we’ll just wait,” said San Beda coach Nemesio Gavino.

The Lady Cardinals closed out their campaign without a win in nine outings.

In men’s action, San Beda turned back Mapua, 22-25, 25-23, 25-13, 25-13, to complete the Final Four cast.

Mark Christian Enciso unloaded a match-best 16 hits while Gerald Zabala, Adrian Viray, Limuel Patenio and Mark Lorenze Santos contributed 12, 10, 10 and 10 points, respectively, as the Red Spikers improved to 7-2 and joined St. Benilde (7-1) in the next round.

The win also clinched Arellano U (6-2) and defending champion Perpetual Help (6-1) slots in the next round.