NCAA volleyball: EAC surpasses last season’s output with Lyceum win

EAC Lady Generals. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Emilio Aguinaldo College dodged what would’ve been a disastrous outcome and escaped Lyceum, 25-14, 25-21, 23-25, 17-25, 15-11, in the NCAA Season 93 women’s volleyball tournament Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Five Lady Generals scored in double-figures led by Ladeisheen Magbanua’s 16 points. Jaylene Lumbo added 13 points, including a perfectly-placed hit that sealed the game.

“It was a good game. We made an improvement and that’s really what I wanted to see and I hope we can bring this next year,” said EAC coach Rod Palmero in Filipino.

The victory was only their second in eight outings with a game left in their season and though it may not be a usual cause for celebration, it’s already an accomplishment for the Lady Generals, who won just one game last season.

EAC appeared well on its way to winning in straight sets after taking a 7-1 lead in the third set, but Lyceum fought back behind team captain Elaine Juanillo and Christine Miralles.

“It’s a lesson for us. But my players are new and still adapting to my system and the pressure is still getting the best of them so they tend to lose their game.”

Aira Binondo also had 13 points while Crislie Pablo and Yvette Tongco chipped in 10 apiece for the Lady Generals, who will wrap up their season against powerhouse San Beda on Friday.

Juanillo fired a game-high 20 points while Miralles tallied 18 for the Lady Pirates (1-6).