Lady Pirates sink Mapua in NCAA volley

LYCEUM of the Philippines University routed Mapua University, 25-21, 25-11, 25-16, using a balanced assault, boosting its Final Four bid in Season 95 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women’s volleyball tournament on Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Ciarnelle Wanta, Alexandra Rafael and Monica Sevilla ignited the Lady Pirates’ attack as they bounced back from a stinging defeat to Colegio de San Juan de Letran for a joint sixth with Jose Rizal University on a similar 3-4 record.

“We expected to win because I know the caliber of my players. But now we need some wins for the SEMIfiNALS AFTER THAT fiVE-SET LOSS (TO Letran),” said Lyceum head coach Emil Lontoc, whose squad squandered three match points before dropping a 28- 26, 25- 27, 25- 16, 19-25, 14-16 decision.

“If we can win our last two games and force a playoff, I believe we still have a big chance to get into the Final Four,” added Lontoc.

Wanta finished with 12 points anchored on 11 spikes on top of 10 excellent digs while Rafael and Sevilla smashed 11 markers apiece.

Mary Joy Onofre chipped in seven points while Venice Puzon orchestrated Lyceum’s offense with 13 excellent sets to go with nine digs.

Alissa Magallanes led Mapua with eight points while Lorraine Barias had six markers. The Lady Cardinals CRASHED OUT OF THE RACE FOR SEMIfiNAL berth with a dismal 1-6 slate.

Earlier in the men’s side, the streaking Mapua mauled Lyceum, 27-25, 25-18, 25-18, to strengthen its Final Four chances.

The troika of Alfredo Pagulong, Benedict San Andres and Raje Hizon notched 12 points each to power the Cardinals to their fourth straight victory against three losses for the solo fiFTH — JUST HALF A GAME BEHIND NO. 4 College of Saint Benilde.

Pagulong also had nine receptions while libero John Silva contributed 11 receptions and nine digs.

Juvic Colonia was the lone doubledigit scorer with 11 points for the Pirates, who bowed out with their third consecutive setback and an overall 1-6 sheet.

In juniors play, Lyceum eliminated Mapua, 28-26, 25-21, 24-26, 25-23. The Junior Pirates coasted to 3- 4 while the Red Robins fell to 1-6.