An undermanned Lyceum of the Philippines University squad swept the Emilio Aguinaldo College, 26-24, 25-15, 25-21, to open its campaign in the NCAA Season 100 women's volleyball tournament on Thursday at the San Sebastian College-Recoletos gym in Manila.
After a decisive second set, the Lady Pirates continued to ride on the momentum and led 19-10 in the third set. EAC, however, had other plans as the Lady Generals made a 7-0 run to trim the deficit. A service error from Ashley Magnayi stopped the run, while another attack error from EAC gave LPU a 22-17 lead.
Down 24-21, the Generals almost had a chance but a service error handed LPU the win.
"Sabi ko sa mga bata, hindi sila puwedeng maging complacent sa ginagawa nila, knowing EAC, isa sila sa may pinakamagaling na depensa dito sa NCAA. Hindi sila puwede magbaba ng laro, kaya sabi ko sa kanila, kung anong inumpisahan nila, kailangan tuloy-tuloy lang hanggang matapos," LPU head coach Cromwel Garcia said.
Jaja Tulang led the Lady Pirates with 12 points from 10 attacks and two blocks, while Johna Dolorito and Heart Bio had eight points apiece.
Venice Puzon and Joan Doguna, who are still eligible for this season, did not play in the opener due to what Garcia described as "technical issues."
"Mayroon lang kaming technical issues na inaayos... pero okay naman sila," Garcia said, adding that they will play in the first round of the tournament.
Elizza Mae Alimen led the Lady Generals with 14 points.
LPU will go against Arellano University on Saturday at the same venue, while EAC will return on February 28 when it goes against San Sebastian College-Recoletos at the San Beda University gym.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
