Lyceum of the Philippines University turned back San Sebastian College-Recoletos in a thriller, 25-27, 25-22, 16-25, 25-18, 15-13 in the NCAA Season 97 women’s volleyball tournament on Friday.
Lyceum now improved its slate to 4-4 to tie Mapua and JRU while San Sebastian dropped 5-3 but remained in third place.
With an extended first set going San Sebastian’s way, the Lady Stags seemed to slow down come the second frame, surrendering to Lyceum with a 22-25 drubbing.
But the wards of head coach Roger Gorayeb came alive in the third with rookie Tina Marasigan helping them build a 12-6 lead.
But Lyceum retaliated, countering with a 6-0 run to tie it at 12. Kath Santos then took over as San Sebastian responded with a 13-4 rampage capped by Reyann Cañete, 25-16.
Lyceum continued to pound on San Sebastian with team captain Venice Puzon serving back-to-back aces to give the Lady Pirates a 25-18 four-set win.
Marasigan and Cañete connived early in the fifth as San Sebastian built a 7-2 spread but Lyceum took the lead, 8-7.
With the momentum on the side of Lyceum, the Lady Pirates again leaned on Puzon who served the game-winning ace to seal the victory.
There were a lot of heroes for Lyceum with rookie Johna Dolorito leading the team with 18 points to go along with 12 digs while Jaja Tulang chipped in 16 markers.
Jewel Maligmat and Zonxi Dahab each poured in 12 points while Puzon finished with five points and 24 excellent sets.
San Sebastian will still play Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Sunday while Lyceum takes on Jose Rizal University.
—JMB, GMA News
