Not wanting to fall prey to an upset, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Lady Pirates put on a clinic in the fourth set and ultimately subdued the gritty Mapua University Lady Cardinals, 26-24, 24-26, 25-21, 25-17, to take their first win of the season, Monday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Monica Sevilla and Elaine Juanillo stepped up for the Lady Pirates with 18 points each. Juanillo topped the squad on attacks at 15, while the former was a presence at the net with six blocks.
Head coach Emil Lontoc lamented their slow starts and shaky mid-sets. “Medyo hirap kami kasi yung Sunday wala kaming training kaya medyo bumagsak yung laro namin,” he shared.
The result was 30 errors that kept Mapua in the game. Lyceum also had huge reception problems, leading to 16 aces from the Cards, six off which came from Dianne Latayan.
Nonetheless, with fourth-year setter Cherry Genova finding Sevilla and Juanillo clicking, nothing stopped the Pirates to snag that third and fourth frames.
“Masaya kasi nagagawa nila yung part nila na wala silang kapalitan at naka-focus sila game,” the veteran playmaker said of her top scorers.
Dianne Latayan once more led Mapua with 19 points, 16 coming from attacks.
The Lady Pirates (1-2) will try to extend their winning run as they face Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights (1-2) on Thursday. The Lady Cards (0-3) will take on the San Beda College Lady Red Spikers (2-0) on Friday.
The Scores:
LPU 3 – Juanillo 18, Sevilla 18, Miralles 15, Patio 6, Bongabong 6, Genova 2, Marcella L, Romanban L.
MU 1 – Latayan 19, Pena 17, Barias 9, Frando 5, Morano 4, Mangundayao 3, Mercado 1, Racelis 0, Ramilo L.
