Staying in the race

Kyla Dioso of San Beda tries to defy an Emilio Aguinaldo double block. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ

San Beda seized solo fourth spot after a 25-15, 25-16, 27-25 conquest of Emilio Aguinaldo College on Monday in the 95th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Skipper Cesca Racraquin finished with 22 points, including three service aces, nine digs and seven receptions to lead the Lady Red Spikers to their fourth win in six games.

“I’m happy that we broke our slump,” Racraquin said in Filipino after San Beda halted a two-game slide to wheel back into Final Four contention.

Nieza Viray added 13 points, including the match-clinching kill that closed out the extended third frame, while Kim Manzano had two blocks to finish with seven points for the Lady Red Spikers.

San Beda moved half-a-game ahead of idle Letran (3-2) in the race for the last semis berth. The Mendiola-based squad also stayed within range of Perpetual Help and defending champion Arellano University, which are tied in second at 5-1.

“We need to work really hard in our remaining games,” said San Beda coach Mesio Gavino.

Cathrine Almazan had 10 points and 12 digs for the Lady Generals, who remained winless after six games.

San Beda fielded in some of its reserves in the third that allowed EAC to lead.

And when the reserves couldn’t get the job done, Gavino decided to bring the starters back in the match to finish the job.

Meanwhile, Jose Rizal withstood a late Mapua charge in the third set to carve out a 25-18, 25-18, 31-29 win and stay in the semis hunt.

The Lady Bombers drew 17 points from Dolly Verzosa in improving to 3-4.