By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Lyceum of the Philippines University Lady Pirates pulled off a thrilling comeback from two sets down to defeat the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Lady Generals, 15-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-13, in the NCAA Season 100 women’s volleyball tournament at the EAC Gym in Manila on Sunday, May 18.

Negrense Joan Doguna finished with 12 points, including some crucial points late in the fifth set to keep the Lady Pirates’ slim Final Four hopes alive, improving their record to 7-8.

Johna Dolorito led the charge with a triple-double performance of 17 points, 15 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs.

Ashley Muchillas added 13 points, while veteran setter Venice Puzon was named Player of the Game after tallying 19 excellent sets.

“Siguro nung una, medyo nahirapan po kami. Hindi kami agad nakapag-adjust doon sa game plan nila [Lady Generals],” Puzon said in a televised post-game interview on GTV.

“Buti na lang po nakabawi kami nung third and fourth sets. Nakuha na po namin ‘yung depensa at opensa namin,” she added.

After falling behind 4-8 in the deciding fifth set, the Lady Pirates staged a late rally to tie the game at 11-all.

The Lady Generals briefly regained the lead at 13-12, but Doguna fired a down-the-line hit to level the score.

Consecutive attacks from Muchillas and Doguna then sealed the come-from-behind win for Lyceum.

Ilongga Elisha Alimen delivered a valiant effort with 25 points and 17 excellent digs, while Cara Dayanan added 18 markers for the Lady Generals, who bowed out of semifinal contention with a 4-11 card./ASC, WDJ