MANILA – Lyceum of the Philippines Lady Pirates moved to the next phase of the NCAA Season 98 Women’s Volleyball step-ladder semifinals with a 25-18, 25-23, 29-31, 27-25 win over Mapua University Lady Cardinals on Sunday at the San Juan Arena.
Bacolod City-native Joan Doguna led the way with 22 points, with 21 in attacks, while Johna Dolorito had well-rounded 14 points, 11 excellent receptions, and nine excellent digs for Lyceum.
Zonxi Dahab and Jaja Tulang had 13 and 11 markers, respectively, while Venice Puzon contributed two points to go with 22 excellent digs for the no. 3-seeded squad Lady Pirates.
With the victory, the Lady Pirates advanced to the next round of the semifinals and will face no. 2 ranked University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas this Wednesday to move closer to a finals seat.
However, the Lady Pirates’ victory was hard earned as they saw their 23-19 advantage in the fourth set erased by the furious uprising of the Lady Cardinals, which tied the count at 24-all.
Therese Manalo then tied the scoreline once again at 25 for the Lady Cardinals but Lady Pirates’ Dahab scored back-to-back points from an attack and a service ace to seal the win.
“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 Lady Pirates head coach Cromwel Garcia.
“Sabi ko sa kanila walang hihinto. Di pa tapos. Walang natatalo sa 23. Hindi nila pwede pabayaan yung mga bagay na pinaghirapan na nila,” added the second-year Lady Pirates head coach.
Roxie Dela Cruz finished with 20 points, 13 excellent digs, and four excellent receptions to lead the Lady Cardinals, Manalo scored 15 markers, while Vanessa Basas added 20 excellent digs.
In the men’s step-ladder semifinals, San Beda University Red Lions stayed alive after eking out a 25-22, 25-27, 25-16, 26-24 victory against Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals./PN
