By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Lyceum of the Philippines Lady Pirates thwarted the Mapua University Lady Cardinals’ attempt at recovery with a 25-16, 25-15, 27-29, 23-25, 15-10 victory in the NCAA Season 100 women’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City on Wednesday, April 30.

Negrense Joan Doguna finished with 23 points to back up Johna Denise Dolorito, who led the Lyceum offense with 24 points.

The Lady Pirates moved up to seventh place in the standings with a record of 6-6.

Ashley Muchilla and Hiromi Osada also made significant contributions with 15 and 14 points, respectively, as the Lady Pirates bounced back from their first-round defeat against the Lady Cardinals.

Lady Pirates head coach Cromwel Garcia emphasized the importance of resilience in securing a tough victory against the Lady Cardinals.

“I told the players we must be resilient,” Garcia said after the game.

“Knowing Mapua, the queen of five sets, they are indeed a tough opponent. Historically, we have always faced them in five sets,” he added.

Freighanne Seanelle Garcia led the Lady Cardinals with 16 points.

Nadine Berces and Nicole Ong each added 15 points as they dropped to a 7-5 record.

Meanwhile, the San Sebastian College Lady Stags (7-5) achieved a hard-fought 25-23, 25-23, 22-25, 23-25, 16-14 victory against the Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers (1-11).

Kath Santos led the Lady Stags with 21 points./ASC, WDJ