Lyceum Lady Pirates clinch NCAA volleyball Finals berth for first time
Lyceum Lady Pirates celebrate clinching the NCAA Season 98 volleyball finals berth. –NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Lyceum defeated University of Perpetual Help, 25-18, 20-25, 25-17, 26-24 to secure a ticket to NCAA women’s volleyball Finals for the first time on Wednesday.
The Lady Pirates will play defending champion St. Benilde Lady Blazers in a best-of-three Finals series starting April 11.
Lyceum pounced on Perpetual Help’s costly miscue’ in the fourth set when rookie setter Jhasmine Sapin committed a service error when the Lady Altas was at set point, 24-23.
Joan Doguna, who led the Lady Pirates with 17 points, drilled in a go-ahead kill before playmaker Venice Puzon nailed the match-clinching service ace.
Johna Dolorito added 14 points for Lyceum while Puzon tossed in 20 excellent sets, including four service aces.
Shai Umipon scored 17 points while Mary Rhose Dapol contributed 13 points, including two service aces, for the Lady Altas.
SAN BEDA TO THE FINALS
San Beda Red Lions also advance to the NCAA finals’ men’s play. –NCAA PHOTO
San Beda, meanwhile, also advanced to the men’s volleyball title round for the first time since 2012 after a27-25, 12-25, 25-17, 25-18 win over Arellano.
Kenrod Umali paced the Red Spikers with 15 points and four receptions, Justine Santos had three blocks for a 13-point outing while Ralph Cabalsa also scored 13 points and collected four digs.
San Beda will face three-peat-seeking Perpetual in the championship series.
Carl Berdal had 17 points o Arman Guinto added 13 points, including two service aces, 14 receptions and seven digs for the Chiefs in a losing effort.
