NCAA volleyball: JRU, Letran pick up first wins in women’s play

JRU Lady Bombers in the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament.

MANILA, Philippines—An ecstatic Jose Rizal University barged into the win column of the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament at San Andres Gym on Wednesday.

Coach Mia Tioseco expressed her excitement as the Lady Bombers bounced back from their loss over Perpetual Help on Sunday and breathed life into their Final Four bid after defeating Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-20, 25-20, 25-23.

“I’m happy that they got to feel and realize that that’s their game,” said Tioseco in Filipino. “We want to make the Final Four but more importantly, I also want the younger ones to be able to fight during games. They should keep fighting.”

READ: NCAA: Mapua, Lyceum bag wins to open women’s volleyball bids

Karyla Jasareno led the cavalry with 13 points for JRU but it was Inday Laurente who commanded the offense with 13 excellent sets.

Catherine Almazan unloaded 16 points but to no avail as the Lady Generals dropped to 0-2.

Meanwhile, Letran trumped Arellano in four sets, 16-25, 25-17, 25-17, 25-17.

The troika of Gia Maquilang, Nizelle Martin and Judiel Nitura scored 17, 16 and 15 points, respectively to give the Lady Knights their first win of the season.

The Lady Chiefs, meanwhile, dropped their first game of the season. Dodee Risa Joy Batindaan scored 16 in a wasted effort.