Roxie Dela Cruz came through once again to help Mapua University carve out a 21-25, 25-19, 26-28, 25-16, 15-13 win against Lyceum of the Philippines University in the NCAA Season 99 women's volleyball tournament on Friday at Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The sophomore ace put together a double-double outing of 20 points while also collecting 17 digs and eight receptions as the Lady Cardinals improved their playoff hopes with a 5-3 card.
The Lady Pirates, on the other hand, absorbed their second straight loss after opening the season with six consecutive wins as their Final Four bid is suddenly in peril.
After losing a close third set, Mapua vented ire in the fourth after opening the frame with a quick 6-0 run as back-to-back aces from Nicole Ong sent the Lady Cardinals to a 22-11 cushion while Nadine Berces sent the game into a decider.
Another off speed attack from Berces had Mapua cruising to a crucial 8-5 lead in the fifth set but Johna Dolorito tied things up after fueling a 3-0 run. LPU then responded with a 4-1 rampage capped by an attack error from Raissa Ricablanca to take a 13-11 lead.
Dela Cruz rose to the occasion, nailing three of their last four points to help Mapua overcome the Lady Pirates.
She also got ample help from Ricablanca and Ong, who churned out 18 and 16 points apiece while Berces chipped in 13 markers.
Dolorito top-scored with a game-high 25 points all on attacks on top of 17 digs while Joan Doguna and Jaja Tulang chimed in with 18 markers apiece in the losing effort.
Mapua will take on San Beda University on Tuesday while LPU will hope to finally book the Final Four spot when it takes on undefeated and reigning champion De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Sunday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
