Jose Rizal University booted out San Beda University in a 25-19, 25-16, 25-19 sweep to boost its bid for a Final Four seat in the NCAA Season 97 women's volleyball on Friday.
JRU improved to 4-4 to forge a two-way tie with Mapua University at the fourth spot while San Beda bowed out of contention after sliding to 2-6 alongside EAC and Letran.
The Lady Bombers, who are coming off a stinging straight-sets loss to College of Saint Benilde, wasted no time in the opening frame, where they built a quick 23-18 lead off an ace from setter Inday Laurente.
A Kia Melgar attack and an error from San Beda's Trisha Paras then sent JRU to a 25-19 first-set win.
San Beda got its offense going in the second, converting more than JRU, 12 to 11, but 12 errors from the Lady Red Spikers proved expensive as JRU capitalized.
The Mia Tioseco-mentored JRU squad raced to a 25-16 second set win to move a set away from a sweep.
Team captain Dolly Verzosa then took over in the third, drilling back-to-back attacks that handed them a 23-18 cushion before she completed a combination play for the match-winning point, 25-19.
Melgar led JRU with 15 points while Verzosa proved effective on both ends with her 10 markers, seven digs, and seven excellent receptions as they defeated San Beda in one hour and 15 minutes.
JRU will take on Lyceum of the Philippines University on Tuesday for its last game in the elimination round while San Beda tackles Perpetual on Sunday.
—JMB, GMA News
