Lyceum Lady Pirates, San Beda Red Spikers advance in NCAA stepladder semis

Joan Doguna Lyceum

Lyceum Joan Doguna attacks during the Lady Pirates’ semifinals game against Mapua in the NCAA Season 98 women’s volleyball tournament. NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Lyceum moved on to the next phase of the NCAA Season 98 women’s volleyball stepladder semifinals after turning back No. 4 Mapua, 25-18, 25-23, 29-31, 27-25, at San Juan Arena on Sunday.

The third-seeded Lady Pirates will continue their bid for a title against No. 2 Perpetual Help on Wednesday at the same venue with the winner arranging a best-of-three finals duel with top team College of Saint Benilde.

Joan Doguna powered Lyceum with a game-high 22 points built on 21 successful spikes while Zonxi Dahab added 13.

Roxie Dela Cruz had 20 points to pace Mapua, which also drew 15 points from There Manalo.

In the men’s stepladder semis, third seed San Beda outlasted Emilio Aguinaldo College in four sets, 25-22, 25-27, 25-16, 26-24, behind Ralph Cabalsa.

Cabalsa came up big with 24 points, 21 of which off kills, while also making his presence felt on defense with four excellent blocks.

Four more Red Spikers hit double digits in scoring with Kenrod Umali tallying 13 and Lorenz Calayag, Justin Santos and Ryan Rosman chipping in 11 apiece.

Joshua Ramilo’s 13-point outing led fourth-seeded Generals.

San Beda advanced to face No. 2 Arellano also on Wednesday.

The winner clashes with three-peat seeking Perpetual Help in a best-of-three championship series.

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