MANILA, Philippines - Jessa Fernandez took over in the third set as La Salle-Dasmariñas beat PSBA, 25-19, 25-9, 25-23, to keep the National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) volleyball women’s crown at the Animo Center court of the DLSU Health Science Institute in Dasmariñas, Cavite.
The 5-9 Fernandez, a marketing and advertising junior, delivered the crucial points in the tightly-fought third set to secure the victory and a sweep of their best-of-three series.
She first combined with rookie Justine Navidad at the frontline as the Lady Patriots built a two-point cushion at 19-17 then came through with a block before Maribeth Lara hit down-the-line spike for the team’s last two points.
Fernandez went on to bag the MVP honors.
The Lady Patriots battled back from a set down to frustrate the Lady Jaguars, 24-26, 25-20, 25-20, 21-25, in the opener of their playoff at the RTU gym in Mandaluyong.
“This is a strong and complete team. They’re young and aggressive. Now, they are ready for the national PRISAA finals next week,†said Lady Patriots coach Darwin Campana.
Under Campana, the Lady Patriots won five championships over the last six years.
Earlier, the RTU crushed PATTS College of Aeronautics, 25-20, 25-17, 25-17, to claim third place.