Jose Rizal University lost the third set but recovered to come away with a 25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 25-18 victory over University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to return to its winning ways in the NCAA Season 97 women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday.
JRU improved to an even 3-3 win-loss card after snapping its three-game losing slump while Perpetual failed to halt its own skid as it dropped to 2-4.
The Lady Bombers, who previously lost to Mapua, San Sebastian, and Arellano after a 2-0 start in its campaign, waxed hot right in the opening frame with an early 20-15 spread.
The Lady Altas tried to turn things around, closing the gap to three, 18-21, after an off speed attack from setter Jenny Gaviola. But JRU ignited for a 4-1 closing run led by team captain Dolly Verzosa to take the set, 25-19.
The graduating Verzosa continued to operate on the offense for JRU, going for a cross court hammer that gave them a 23-19 lead in the second. Back-to-back points by Riza Rose then capped the frame for JRU, 25-20, as they went two seats ahead.
JRU clawed back from an 11-point deficit in the third, 10-21, with Verzosa leading the rally as they went to within just three, 20-23. An error from Verzosa and a Rizel Aldea block ultimately won the set for Perpetual.
A tight fourth set saw both teams tied at 16 but JRU started to pull away after an 8-2 barrage, 24-18, before the wall of Renesa Melgar and Rose denied Mary Rhose Dapol for the win.
Verzosa posted a triple-double effort of 17 points to go along with 23 digs and 13 excellent receptions to steer JRU while Rose chipped in 12 markers. Melgar and Mary May Ruiz, on the other hand, each poured in 10 points.
Dapol led Perpetual with 10 points and 13 digs while Daisy Salimbacod sparked off the bench with nine markers.
JRU returns to the court on Sunday against league leader College of Saint Benilde while Perpetual tackles defending champion Arellano University on Saturday.
—JMB, GMA News
