Lyceum of the Philippines University has moved up to the stepladder of the NCAA Season 98 Women’s Volleyball Tournament after surviving the comeback scare from Mapua University, winning 25-18, 25-23, 29-31, 27-25 on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
With the victory, the Lady Pirates advanced to the next round. They will face the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Wednesday.
Joan Doguna and Johna Dolorito came alive for Lyceum, with Doguna scoring 22 points, 21 of which came from attacks; and Dolorito contributing a well-rounded 14 points, 11 excellent receptions, and nine excellent digs.
After trailing by four, 19-23, in the fourth set, the Lady Cardinals managed to force a tiebreaker at 24-all after a miscommunication on LPU’s side. However, an error from Roxie Dela Cruz gave the Lady Pirates the lead for a brief moment.
Therese Manalo then tied the scoreline once again at 25.
Unfortunately for them, that was their last point. Zonxi Dahab scored back-to-back points from an attack and a service ace, ending Mapua’s season.
“Masaya, na pagod, na hindi maintindihan. Kasi nakita ko yung effort ng girls e kaya masaya. Pero yung pagod siguro merong konting frustration kasi I know that they can do better than that e,” said LPU’s head tactician Cromwel Garcia.
Lyceum led two sets to one, but Mapua challenged them in the third frame as both teams refused to lose. The Lady Cardinals, however, stole one from the Lady Pirates with a tight 31-29 set win, taking advantage of Lyceum’s error.
“Sabi ko sa kanila walang hihinto. Di pa tapos. Walang natatalo sa 23. Hindi nila pwede pabayaan yung mga bagay na pinaghirapan na nila,” said the second-year Lady Pirates head coach.
For LPU, Venice Puzon had two points and 22 excellent digs, while Dahab contributed 13 markers. Dela Cruz added 20 points, 13 excellent digs, and four excellent receptions. Manalo scored 15 markers, while Vanessa Basas added 20 excellent digs.
