RTU tossers upset Lyceum Lady Pirates, gain WNCAA finals
MANILA, Philippines–Rizal Technological University exacted revenge on rival Lyceum with a hard-earned 21-25, 27-25, 22-25, 25-23, 15-13 win to clinch the first Senior A finals slot in the 41st WNCAA tournament on Sunday at the St. Scholastica gym.
The RTU Blue Thunder swept the four-game elimination round and automatically made the best-of-three finals.
Lyceum, eyeing an 11th straight crown, must now hurdle fifth-ranked Miriam College and face the winner of the San Beda College Alabang-University of Asia and the Pacific duel for the other finals seat.
The defeat was the Lady Pirates’ first in 20 games—eight victories each in the 39th and 40th seasons and their first three assignments in the ongoing season. Three of those victories in the 40th season were at the expense of the Blue Thunder, including a two-game sweep of the championship.
There was little doubt though about the Lady Pirates’ dominance in basketball after they annihilated the La Consolacion Manila Blue Royals, 88-39, to claim the No. 1 spot in the Senior A semifinals and the twice-to-beat edge that goes with a sweep.
No. 4 UA&P must beat the four-time defending champion Lyceum twice in the semifinals while College of St. Benilde and RTU play a knockout match for the other finals seat. The semifinal round will be played next Sunday.
Philippine Women’s University is in the finals of both Senior B basketball and volleyball after sweeping all their elimination games. It is thus assured of promotion to Senior A next season. In the junior basketball division of the tournament being supported by official media partner Philippine Daily Inquirer, Mikasa, Molten, Sonak Sports Trading, official print partner Manila Bulletin, Lenovo, Solar Sports, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Taichi, Mojo, CEMG, Goody and MJC Press, defending champion Miriam stopped San Beda, 51-25, to remain the only unbeaten team at 5-0. De La Salle Zobel paces the midget division at 2-0. Angelicum College won by walkover over PWU to stay on top of junior volleyball at 5-0, followed by defending champion St. Scholastica’s College, which dominated St. Stephen’s High School, 25-3, 25-8, 25-10, for a 4-0 record. St. Scholastica overpowered rookie St. Paul Pasig, 25-7, 25-12, to lead the midgets level at 5-0, while defending champion San Beda is in second spot at 4-1 after outlasting La Salle College, 25-11, 25-8.
Philippine Women’s University is in the finals of both Senior B basketball and volleyball after sweeping all their elimination games. It is thus assured of promotion to Senior A next season. In the junior basketball division of the tournament being supported by official media partner Philippine Daily Inquirer, Mikasa, Molten, Sonak Sports Trading, official print partner Manila Bulletin, Lenovo, Solar Sports, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Taichi, Mojo, CEMG, Goody and MJC Press, defending champion Miriam stopped San Beda, 51-25, to remain the only unbeaten team at 5-0. De La Salle Zobel paces the midget division at 2-0. Angelicum College won by walkover over PWU to stay on top of junior volleyball at 5-0, followed by defending champion St. Scholastica’s College, which dominated St. Stephen’s High School, 25-3, 25-8, 25-10, for a 4-0 record. St. Scholastica overpowered rookie St. Paul Pasig, 25-7, 25-12, to lead the midgets level at 5-0, while defending champion San Beda is in second spot at 4-1 after outlasting La Salle College, 25-11, 25-8.
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