Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) halted Mapua University’s late-game surge in a 3-2 (25–13, 25–15, 23–25, 15–25, 15–13) thriller, to secure their third-straight win in the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball at the San Andres Gym on Sunday.
With the set score at 2–all, LPU pulled away from a back-and-forth tussle with a 4–0 run in the last salvo, 14–10 through Ashley Muchillas’ assaults while blocking an Alex Leabres counter-spike.
Yet, Mapua attempted a comeback with a 3–0 rally, exploiting a Joann De Guzman blunder with Franchesca Esteban and Svetlana Cayanan’s attacks to trim the gap at 14–13.
But the Lady Pirates then steered ahead, capitalizing on an out-of-bounds Esteban serve to seal their supremacy.
Lyceum head coach Cromwell Garcia stated that the match was a test of character and a lesson for his players to not settle after sealing the first two sets.
“It’s a test of character,” he said via interview from ABS-CBN. “Magandang aral ‘to sa mga bata, na hindi dapat mag-settle after two sets.”
LPU now equaled their score at 3–all to widen their back-to-back wins, while Mapua absorbed their third loss at 2–3.
Meanwhile, Muchillas topscored with 19 points built on 17 attacks and two aces, while Johna Dolorito chipped 17 markers on 12 attacks, three aces, and two blocks, respectively.
Roxie Dela Cruz and Katrina Galedo were also instrumental, with the former reeling 12 points, while the latter delivered 20 excellent sets for Lady Pirates.
But one team also claimed big numbers.
Despite the defeat, the Lady Cardinals exhibited their decent prowess with Freighanne Garcia, Leabres, and Alyana Ong tallying 14, 13 and 12 points, correspondingly.
Lyceum aims for a masterful performance in more NCAA volleyball events.
Written by Vince Garcia, Insight PH
Vince Garcia, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
