Pushed to the brink of elimination, the University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas shoved back and resuscitated their NCAA Season 92 Women’s Volleyball Tournament campaign, eking out a tight straight-set win over the Lyceum of the Philippines University Lady Pirates, 25-21, 29-27, 25-23, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Having already lost three matches before today, the Lady Altas started their win-or-go-home string of matches by toughing out a strong challenge from fellow Final Four aspirants Lyceum.
The Altas pulled away late in the first set, bursting from a 17-all tie to take a decisive 22-18 lead. The second set was heated all all throughout, with neither relinquishing control. It took a reception and an error from Lyceum to seal the Lady Altas’ 2-0 set lead.
Perpetual were comfortably ahead in the final frame, leading 19-15, before Lyceum sued for another comeback. The Lady Altas still came away with two shots at match point, 24-22, which Lyceum quickly knocked down to one. Luckily, Perpetual’s plot to ice server Cherilyn Sindayen worked, as the Lyceum team captain served straight into the net to end the match in the following point.
“Actually, hindi ko sinabi sa mga players ko ‘yung sitwasyon namin sa practice kasi ayokong ma-pressure sila. Doon kami natatalo kapag pressured sila maglaro. Kaya we just kept it light and I told them to just enjoy playing,” affirmed Perpetual head coach Sammy Acaylar.
Open hitter Jamela Suyat sizzled for 19 points, while Lady Altas team captain added 13 points, including seven block kills.
Perpetual (4-3) continue their tough climb up the standings when they face the JRU Lady Bombers (2-5) on Friday, January 20.
Sindayen and Christine Miralles led Lyceum with 10 points apiece.
Lyceum (5-2) will take on the streaking AU Lady Chiefs (6-1) on Wednesday, January 18.
The Scores
UPHSD (3) – Suyat 19, Bravo 13, Versoza 11, Tripoli 9, Gual 2, Umandal 2, Clemente 0, Imbo 0, Medalla (L)
LPU (0) – Miralles 10, Sindayen 10, Fabay 7, Orros 7, Calugcugan 1, Genova 1, Hongria 1, Carramanza (L), Inton (L)
