With pride at stake, also-ran Lyceum of the Philippines University still made sure to put on its best game as it repulsed San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 23-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-15, in the NCAA Season 100 women's volleyball on Saturday at the San Andres Gym.
The Lady Pirates, who are already out of Final Four contention as it won't be able to reach the required minimum number of wins, overcame a shaky start then pulled away for good in the fourth frame to improve to 8-8.
LPU still has two remaining games in the elimination round against Arellano University on Tuesday and De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde on Friday. However, even if they win both, they still won't advance, as all the current top four teams already have at least 11 wins.
The Lady Stags, on the other hand, absorbed their fifth straight loss to go 7-9.
Johna Dolorito continued to carry LPU on her back, serving an ace to bring her side to a 13-5 cushion in the fourth set. But San Sebastian mounted some fightback with a 4-0 run capped by a Divine Garcia outside attack that cut the deficit to five, 9-14.
LPU then turned to seldom-used middle blocker Angelica Cruz, whose back-to-back points on block and quick kill helped the wards of head coach Cromwell Garcia build a massive 19-10 cushion.
Lefty opposite hitter Ashley Muchillas then soared for two consecutive hammers from the right side, sending them to a 21-11 advantage before a pair of attack errors from San Sebastian saw LPU take the match point at 24-13.
Anamae Parez, another spark off the bench, finished it off by going over two blockers from the left wing.
Joan Doguna led the offense with 17 pointa laced with six digs while Dolorito flirted with a triple-double outing of 14 markers, nine digs, and nine receptions.
Cruz also had a big game as she finished with 16 points anchored on 12 attacks and four blocks while Muchillas chipped in 12 markers.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
