Tiebreaker Times courtesy
MANILA — Lyceum of the Philippines threw everything but the kitchen sink to overcome tough San Sebastian College and force a four-way logjam on top of the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament Friday at the San Andres Sports Complex.
Behind the superb exploits of Jewel Maligmat and Johna Dolorito, the Lady Pirates survived the tough stand of San Sebastian College in the third set before pulling off a 25-14, 25-16, 25-21 decision.
The duo teamed up for 20 points for Lyceum which picked up its second consecutive win, good for a share of the lead with defending champion College of Saint Benilde, Arellano University, and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.
Rookie Roxie dela Cruz dished out another splendid performance with 21 points for Mapua which needed a Houdini act before yanking down the Lady Knights in five sets, 25-19, 25-16, 14-25, 24-26, 16-14.
Meanwhile, in the men’s division action, San Sebastian leaned on Kyle Villamor and Andrei Yape who scored 13 points apiece as the Stags pierced the win column at the expense of LPU, 25-15, 25-17, 25-21.
Julienne Castro had 15 points and eight digs while Shereena Urmeneta and Lea Tapang each scored 14 points for Letran, which failed to make it a five-way logjam for the lead.
Cha Cuñada, the beach volleyball MVP who missed the season opener due to a left ankle injury, was fielded in the second set and scored two points.
The Lady Stags tried to turn things around in the third set, but the Lady Pirates showed composure late in the match to remain perfect in the young season.
LPU playmaker Venice Puzon fired a match-best three service aces and tossed in 10 excellent sets even as Kat Santos led San Sebastian with 10 kills and seven digs while KJ Dionisio and Amaka Tan chipped in eight and seven points, respectively.
Working on a six-man rotation without subs, the Stags went everything right, as Jerick Cagang contributed 11 points, while setter Jan Kerk Alano had five blocks for a six-point outing to go along with 12 excellent sets. Frants Binondo scored half of his six points from blocks.
Jeric Porto and Charles del Rio had eight points apiece for the Pirates, who dropped to 0-2. (Amado Inigo/MTVN)
