RTU claims NCRAA volley title

MANILA, Philippines - Rizal Technological University leaned on the imposing presence of six-foot spiker Janette Doria as it repeated over three-time finalist La Salle-Dasmariñas, 19-25, 25-17, 18-25, 25-21, 15-7, to win the 18th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) women’s volleyball title at the RTU gym in Mandaluyong.

Doria’s aggressive plays enabled the Lady Thunder to bounce back from first- and third-set losses and sweep their best-of-three title series with the Lady Patriots yesterday.

The Lady Thunder, playing without coach Edgar Barroga, scored their second finals win over the Lady Patriots following a 25-21, 25-21, 15-25, 26-24 triumph in Game 1 at the Olivarez College gym in Sucat, Parañaque last Monday.

It was RTU’s second title conquest in three years in the event supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls.

Doria joined hands with Merichelle Tagudin and helped defuse the Lady Patriots’ rally at 9-10 in the fourth set. Their attacks yielded RTU five crucial points and the Lady Thunder went on to post 14-11 advantage en route to a 25-21 win.

The 22-year-old Doria again led RTU to a 2-0 lead in the final set as she and teammate Sally Varua protected the front with their defensive plays. She then hit seven aces as the Lady Thunder pulled away with a 12-4 spread on the way to a fifth-set, 15-7 victory.