The NCAA Men’s Volleyball Tournament elimination round yesterday saw the San Beda College Red Lions net a crucial win that bolstered their Final Four chances, while the upstart Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates notched their first win of the season at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
In the first match of the day, the Red Lions gained a much-needed lead in the standings, taking a close five-set contest against fellow Final Four aspirants, the Arellano University Chiefs, 22-25, 25-19, 25-14, 17-25, 15-12.
Both squads struggled to curtail their errors throughout the match, but San Beda limited their mistakes effectively in the fifth set as both teams traded powerful hits and side-outs. Arellano, however, surrenedered errors off San Beda’s serves at different points of the deciding set, allowing the Red Lions to take their third win in four matches.
Felix Manlic and Earl Gonzales each contributed 17 markers for the Red Lions, while Alfie Mascariñas pitched in 12. Arellano shuffled their lineup constantly, as just Kenneth Aliyacyac scored in double-digits with 13 markers.
Lyceum then won their first match of the season, making short work of the Jose Rizal University Bombers 25-23, 25-19, 25-19 in the day’s final contest.
Using tight combination plays and steady floor defense, Lyceum charged ahead in the first set and averted a late meltdown. The Pirates then took advantage of a deflated JRU effort in the following sets for an easy sweep.
Joeward Presnede led all Pirates with 12 points while Aran Abdencillo added 10 markers. Patrick Sulivas and Josh Manzanas each had eight points for the Bombers.
SBC’s 3-1 record gives them solo fourth place, while Arellano settle in fifth with an even 2-2 record. JRU, on the other hand, are still winless in four matches.
The Chiefs will face the SSC Stags on Saturday, December 12 at the FilOil Flying V Arena while the Pirates will take on the CSJL Knights on the same day and venue.
San Beda’s next assignment comes in Monday, December 14 at the FilOil Flying V Arena where the will collide with the CSB Blazers. JRU faces the UPHSD Altas on the same day and venue.
