RIZAL Technological University leaned on the imposing presence of six-foot spiker Janette Doria as it repeated over three-time finalist La Salle-Dasmarinas, 19-25, 25-17, 18-25, 25-21, 15-7, to win the 18th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) women’s volleyball title via a two-game sweep at its own home court – the RTU gym in Mandaluyong.
Doria’s aggressive plays at the frontline 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, Paranaque last Monday.
It was RTU’s second title conquest in three years in this spikefest supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls.
Doria, an office administration junior, rose to the occasion as she joined hands with Merichelle Tagudin and helped the RTU Lady Thunder weather an uprising when the Lady Patriots came close at 9-10 in the fourth set. Their attacks yielded RTU five crucial points and the Lady Thunder went on to move away with their 14-11 advantage en route to a 25-21 win.
The 22-year-old Doria again made her presence felt as RTU took 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.
“Kinabahan din ako kanina dahil maganda rin ang pinakita ng La Salle. Pero nagtiwala kami sa sarili namin kaya kami nanalo,” said Lady Thunder assistant coach Sandra Balbin, who took charge on behalf head mentor Edgar Barroga’s absence.
The Lady Patriots, who were looking for a way to equalize the series, drew strength in the third set after attacks by Satchel Senupe and Alissa Banquiles allowed them to take a 25-18 win.
“Next time kami ulit. Babawi kami,” said Lady Patriots coach Darwin Campana.
