Lyceum of the Philippines University avoided a fourth set meltdown to eke out a 25-17, 13-25, 25-15, 25-21 win over rebuilding San Beda University in the NCAA Season 99 women's volleyball tournament on Tuesday.
The Lady Pirates fended off the Lady Red Spikers to go 1-0 early in the season while the Mendiola crew fell to 0-1 despite a gallant fight against last season's finalist. The loss spoiled new head coach Edgar Barroga's debut in the NCAA.
The wards of LPU head coach Cromwel Garcia, though, had to overcome a fourth set storm from San Beda, which unleashed a 4-0 run to cut the deficit to four, 15-19, after being down by eight.
Third year open spiker Johna Dolorito then powered a 3-0 answer to deliver the match point, 24-16. But San Beda posed a threat when Chynna Castllo fueled a massive 5-0 rampage that allowed the Lady Red Spikers to pull to within three points, 24-21.
Heart Bio then took advantage of an overpass from Lyceum to seal the deal.
Sophomore Joan Doguna led the charge for Lyceum with 17 points while Dolorito finished with 14 markers. Jaja Tulang, who is back to her original opposite hitter position after playing as a middle blocker last season, chipped in 12 points and seven digs.
Angel Habacon starred for San Beda with 15 points while Castillo chipped in 11.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
