Jose Rizal University overcame a late scare from Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-23, 25-18, 30-28, for its second straight victory in the NCAA Season 100 men's volleyball tournament on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
JRU was a point away from finishing the match as they led 24-23 in the third set, but LPU's Jun Edang managed to tie the set. After a timeout, the Mandaluyong-based squad still put up the fight as Paolo Barrientos scored another one for JRU.
Edang again tied the set before the Heavy Bombers' attack went out to hand the lead to the Pirates. It was LPU then who had an attack error to even the set at 26. Barrientos then managed to score an ace to take the lead, but another attack error put both teams at 27.
Bryle Alipan put JRU at match point anew before a long rally which capped with Edang's attack tied the set anew.
Determined to take the win, Harry Jim Ocay then scored back-to-back to finish the match.
Ocay had 24 points from 22 attacks, a block, and an ace to lead the Heavy Bombers, while Barrientos added 17 points as the Mandaluyong-based squad improved to 2-9. The win also came after JRU defeated De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in its second round opener.
Jun Edang had 16 points to lead LPU as the Pirates slipped to 2-9.
LPU will next face Mapua University on Tuesday, while JRU will take on San Sebastian College-Recoletos next on Wednesday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
