Lady Pirates boost V-L Final 4 bid

MANILA, Philippines–Lyceum coasted to a surprisingly easy 25-20, 27-25, 25-21 triumph over Far Eastern U Sunday night and strengthened its semifinal bid in the Shakey’s V-League Season 7 Second Conference at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.   Guest player Mary Jean Balse posted 24 points to power the Lady Pirates, who notched their sixth victory in 11 games and caught up with Ateneo for third spot.   The loss relegated the Lady Tamaraws to fifth with a 5-6 mark, although they can still forge a playoff for the last semifinal spot with a victory over Ateneo on Thursday.   Lyceum still needs to beat a struggling National U squad for its final quarterfinal assignment to ensure passage into the next phase.   Also a recipient of excellent sets from Nicole Tabafunda, Dahlia Cruz fired 15 points while Joy Cases chipped in eight for the Lady Pirates, who enjoyed a 48-28 edge in attack points.   Tabafunda also impressed from the service line, hitting four aces.   Flashing MVP form, Balse caused all sorts of problems for the FEU defense, pouring 20 hits on just 42 attacks in one of her most impressive performances in the tournament.