The Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers continue their Cinderella run to the Final Four as they turned back the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights, 22-25, 28-26, 25-17, 25-16, Wednesday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Team captain Shola Alvarez poured in a new season-high of 30 points off 25 attacks, four aces, and a block. The skipper also had 20 digs and eight excellent receptions.
Fellow outside hitter Dolly Verzosa finished with 17 markers for the semis-seeking Bombers.
After the yellow-shirts squandered the first set to Letran, it was the former’s turn to overhaul a huge 8-17 deficit in the second set.
With Alvarez at the back, the rookie Verzosa steered JRU to equalize the match, taking back-to-back hits in transition.
Head coach Mia Tioseco believes it is her players’ faith in their defensive stance that has fueled their run so far. “I guess, naniniwala na sila sa ‘min ‘pag sinabi naming kailangan ng defense,” she shared.
The long-time mentor continued, “Yun talaga ‘yung plan ko: to have solid defense from the start, kasi ‘yun panlaban namin sa bigger teams.”
Glayssa Torres had a huge outing at the net for the Lady Knights with 16 points.
JRU (5-3) will close their eliminations and will try to get at least a playoff for the fourth spot when they face the Lyceum of the Philippines University (1-7) next Tuesday. Letran (3-5) will end their season in a battle with another semis hopeful in University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Friday.
The Scores:
JRU 3 – Alvarez 30, Verzosa 17, Montojo 8, Bodiongan 5, Rivera 5, Ebuenga 3, Bautista 1, Macaraya L.
CSJL 1 – Torres 16, Parin 15, Urriza 11, Simborio 9, Mendoza 3, Barrinuevo 3, Abitan 3, Perez 1, Larioque L.
