By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Jose Rizal University showed grit in the crucial fifth set and turned back Lyceum, 25-11, 15-25, 17-25, 25-21, 17-15, Tuesday to make a return trip to the semifinals of the NCAA women’s volleyball at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Lady Bombers recovered mightily from a 2-1 set deficit while needing two match points to squeak past the Lady Pirates and earn a semis berth for the first time since 2018.
The victory also arranged them the first stepladder semis match against San Sebastian on Friday, with the winner battling Arellano for a spot in the finals against early finalist College of St. Benilde.
Sydney Niegos carried the fight for JRU particularly on the defensive lane in the crunch, finishing with 14 points built on nine kills, three blocks and two aces.
Graduating Dolly Versoza also provided ample support in the crucial stretch and fired 11 points off 10 attacks and one block.
“I’m very excited and happy for the girls and the whole JRU community,” said JRU coach Mia Tioseco.
“Going to the stepladder semis, panibagong setup na samin. Back to zero na uli, so sana lumaban lang kami hanggang dulo.”
With their backs against the wall in the fourth set, the Lady Bombers waxed hot and pulled away to an 11-8 and 17-11 leads despite the resilient attempts of the Lady Pirates.
