Both the Lyceum University of the Philippines Lady Pirates and defending champions Arellano University Lady Chiefs imposed their dominance on their respective opponents yesterday in the NCAA Women’e Violleyball tournament elimination round at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
The Lady Chiefs scored their fourth win in as many matches, drubbing the San Beda College Lady Red Lions in straight sets, 25-18, 25-16, 25-20, in the second match of Seniors action.
Arellano got off to a hot start and never let San Beda sniff the lead. Open hitter Jovielyn Prado led a balanced Lady Chiefs’ effort with 17 points and five excellent receptions. Middle blocker CJ Rosario pitched in 13 markers, while Danna Henson and Shirley Salamagos went for 11 and 10 points respectively.
The Lady Chiefs amassed 46 excellent attacks to the Lady Lions’ measly 24. Arellano’s floor defense also gave San Beda problems with the Lady Chiefs tallying 38 excellent digs to the Lady Red Lions’ 24.
In the last match of Women’s play, Lyceum escaped the feisty Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers in four, long-rally infested sets 25-16, 20-25, 25-21, 25-13 to even their record.
Sporting a much taller and athletic lineup, Lyceum found ways around JRU’s vaunted floor defense. Cruising to an easy first set win, Lyceum then suffered a major letdown in the second frame, coughing up multiple attack errors and reception miscues. After JRU claimed the second set, Lyceum overpowered their foes, whittling down JRU’s energy and taking the next sets handily.
Czarina Orros and Mickaela Andres towed the Lady Pirates with 16 and 15 points respectively, while middle blockers Cherilyn Sindayen and Jhemil Abadilla each contributed 10 markers.
JRU’s Shola Alvarez led all scorers with 21 points while Rosalie Pepito garnered 15 markers. Their teammates, however, did not add any significant offensive contributions.
The Lady Chiefs kept pace with their fellow undefeated squads, the 4-0 SSC-R and the 3-0 SBC. Lyceum, on the other hand, forced a three-way tie for fourth with fellow 2-2 teams, EAC and JRU. San Beda maintained their place near the bottom of the standings with a 1-3 record.
Arellano will put their undefeated record on the line when they face fellow unscathed squad SSC-R Lady Stags on Dec. 12, Saturday at the San Juan Arena. Lyceum will face the CSJL Lady Knights on the same day and venue.
On Dec. 14, Monday, San Beda take on the CSB Lady Blazers while JRU collide with the UPHSD Lady Altas.
