Mapua University secured its first win of the 2023 V-League Collegiate Challenge by stunning Lyceum of the Philippines University in five sets, with scores of 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, and 15-11. The game took place on Saturday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Lady Cardinals received a significant boost from their middle blocker, Nicole Ong, helping them achieve an even 1-1 win-loss record and handing the Lady Pirates their second consecutive loss to start the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Bola.TV, Beyond Active Wear, Asics and Mikasa.
"Naging tight yung game namin against LPU. Dito kasi sa V-League, may cino-construct na bagong System, kaya minsan lost yung players. Pero a win is a win, " head coach Aying Estaban said of the Mapua win after two hours and 19 minutes.
Ong concluded the match with 12 points, which included eight successful spikes, three kill blocks, and a service ace.
On the other hand, Raisa Ricablanca played a pivotal role in restoring Mapua's momentum, particularly during the decisive fifth set, contributing 17 points, with 15 of those points coming from attacks.
Despite Johna Dolorito's impressive 23-point performance for the Lady Pirates, the Cardinals managed to spoil her efforts, with Janeth Tulang adding 18 points to the team's tally.
