Mapua University had to recover from a 1-2 set deficit before coming up with a 25-22, 16-25, 18-25, 25-18, 15-12 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University in the NCAA Season 97 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday.
Mapua, which was carrying a two-game losing streak prior to the game, improved to 4-3 for solo fourth while Lyceum dropped to 3-4.
With the two teams tied at one set apiece, Lyceum came out stronger in the third set with Johna Dolorito, Jewel Maligmat, Jaja Tulang, and Zonxi Dahab joining forces.
Dolorito asserted her dominance as the star rookie converted a few points on the service line before a powerful attack from her sent Lyceum to a 24-17 cushion.
An error proved costly for Mapua as a service infraction from Ayena Espiritu allowed Lyceum to take the third frame, 25-18.
But Mapua came alive in the fourth with middle blocker Jolina Babiera fueling a 9-2 closing run to even the game again at two sets each. Mapua also outplayed Lyceum in the fourth, collecting 14 attacks against the 10 of the Lady Pirates.
Mapua then built a 9-6 advantage in the fifth set with Dolorito committing an attack error but Dolorito was quick to bounce back, bringing Lyceum to 8-9 deficit.
Nicole Ong then punched the game-winning point as she completed an attack from the opposite side, 15-12.
Mapua next faces Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Wednesday while Lyceum next tackles San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Friday.
—JMB, GMA News
