LPU Lady Pirates survive Mapua Lady Cardinals in 4-set thriller

Games Wednesday
(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
12 p.m. — AU vs San Beda (M)
2 p.m. — UPHSD vs LPU (W)

LYCEUM of the Philippines University (LPU) continued its fairy tale run as it turned back a stubborn Mapua University, 25-18, 25-23, 29-31, 27-25, in their knockout stepladder semifinal duel in NCAA Season 98 Volleyball at the Filoil EcoOil Centre yesterday.

Already making history by their breakthrough semis appearance, the Lady Pirates wanted more and fought and conquered the feisty Lady Cardinals in a battle of attrition to set up another rubber match, this time against No. 2 University of Perpetual Help (UPHSD) on Wednesday.

There, LPU gets the chance to shoot for two more firsts — an appearance in the finals and a crack at a historic crown that has eluded the school since joining the league 12 years ago.

Reigning champion College of St. Benilde swept all its nine elimination round games to leapfrog straight to the best-of-three finale.

Given the green light to fire at will, Joan Doguna delivered and unleashed a masterful 22-point performance while Johna Dolorito uncorked 14 hits in an equally impressive show of force.

Skipper and setter Venice Puzon and Zonxi Jane Dahab likewise shone bright and came through big when their team needed it most.

Ms. Puzon was the glue that kept the LPU Lady Pirates together and dished out 22 excellent sets while Ms. Dahab scattered 13 points including their last two points — a beautifully placed dink and a booming service ace.

“If this was Mobile Legends, they’re my tank emblems,” said LPU coach Cromwel Garcia referring to Mmsses. Puzon and Dahab.

MEN’S SIDE
In men’s action earlier, San Beda  University outlasted Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-22, 25-27, 25-16, 26-24, to arrange another do-or-die stepladder semis duel with No. 2 Arellano University on Wednesday.

Ralph Cabalsa went on an attacking spree and sprayed out a match-best 24 points, including 19 off spikes and four off kill blocks, as the Red Spikers lived to fight another day. — Joey Villar