Shallow lineup a ‘big factor’ in Lyceum’s loss

If the old adage “strength in numbers” can be applied to the NCAA Season 93 women’s volleyball tournament, then Lyceum is virtually on the minority.

The Lady Pirates only had eight of their 10 players in tow, and the lack of depth showed when they lost in five sets against College of St. Benilde, 22-25, 23-25, 25-14, 25-13, 15-10, Thursday.

Lyceum head coach Emil Lontoc said their lack of players played a big part in the loss especially when the Lady Blazers found their rhythm in the final three sets.

“That was a big factor because we also lacked the guile against Benilde,” said Lontoc in Filipino at Filoil Flying V Centre. “We don’t have substitutes, that was really a factor unless we become consistent.”

The Lady Pirates, after a stellar display in the first two sets, ultimately faltered in the ensuing three sets especially in the fifth when the Lady Blazers went on a 9-4 start.

Ranya Musa gave Benilde a 6-4 lead in the fifth then Lyceum committed three straight errors that virtually sealed the Lady Pirates’ loss.

“We really have to be consistent especially on defense,” said Lontoc whose team got outscored 53-34 in spikes and 13-9 in service aces. “We fought hard in the first two sets but we couldn’t replicate it in the next three.”