JRU survives Lyceum, seals return to semis

Game Friday (Paco Arena) 2 p.m. – SSC vs JRU

Jose Rizal University wore down Lyceum of the Philippines U in the fifth and final set, 25-11, 16-25, 17-25, 25-21, 17-15, yesterday to clinch the last semis spot in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Paco Arena.

It will be the first semis appearance for the Lady Bombers since 2018.

Sydney Mae Niegos came through in the deciding set where she had key blocks and finished with a team-best 14 points while skipper Dolly Versoza chipped in 11 hits including 10 on spikes to help the Lady Bombers seal their entry into the stepladder semis.

There, JRU clashes with No. 3 San Sebastian in another knockout game on Friday with the winner earning the right to meet No. 2 Arellano U.

The winner of the stepladder phase will battle College of St. Benilde in the best-of-three finals. CSB reached the finals outright after completing a 9-0 sweep of the elims.

JRU ended up tied at No. 4 with idle Mapua on 5-4 records but took the last slot with a higher quotient.

“I’m lost for words, but I’m very proud of the girls,” said an emotional JRU coach Mia Tioseco.

It was particularly rewarding for the graduating Versoza, who was also part of that JRU squad that made it to the Final Four in 2018.

“We’re very excited and very happy for the whole JRU community,” said Tioseco.

In contrast, it was a heartbreaking defeat for the Lady Pirates, who have yet to reach the semis since joining the NCAA in 2011.

Meanwhile, the league forfeited the non-bearing game between University of Perpetual Help and San Beda due to health reasons.