Games Tuesday
(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
9 a.m. – La Salle vs University of Southern Philippines Foundation
12 p.m. – Lyceum vs Adamson
2 p.m. – La Salle-Dasma vs UST
4 p.m. – Enderun vs College of St. Benilde
Mindanao’s Jose Maria College Foundation (JMCF) pulled the rug from under NCAA’s Lyceum of the Philippines University with a stunning 24-26, 25-19, 25-22, 26-24 win in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Lady Royals dropped a narrow first set but owned the next three frames highlighted by Dianne Uriel Brion’s ace in the back-and-forth fourth set for a big triumph at the expense of the Lady Pirates, who finished runner-up in the NCAA Season 98.
Johma Mae Palermo shone brightest with 18 points on 13 hits and five aces as JMCF climbed to 1-1 in Pool C after a 25-17, 25-11, 25-17 debut loss to Adamson.
Michaela Oliveros contributed 15 points laced by four blocks while Brion produced 11 points for the Davao spikers.
“Hindi kami nag-expect na manalo kasi malalakas yung kalaban dito mula sa UAAP at NCAA. Blessing sa amin na ito, nanalo versus a strong team from NCAA. First time namin dito at mula kahapon sa first game, naka-adjust naman. Lumabas ‘yung laro ng mga bata,” said coach Rolando Puno.
Putting their straight-set loss to the Lady Falcons behind, the Lady Royals waged a stronger fight as early as the first set by saving three set points from a 21-24 deficit only to lose by a whisker, 24-26.
But JMCF would not be denied from there on, dominating Lyceum in the next two sets before escaping in the clincher with a thriller of its own behind Oliveros’ single block and Brion’s ace for the win.
Johna Denise Dolorito and Janeth Tulang had 14 and 12 points, respectively, to pace the Lady Pirates.
In the other match, Winnie Bedaña erupted for 20 points to lead four players in double digits as the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta bounced back against the debuting University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), 23-25, 25-12, 25-20, 25-16.
Charmaine Mae Ocado and Shaila Allaine Omipon had 18 and 16 points, respectively, while NCAA MVP Mary Rhose Dapol added 15 points for the Lady Altas, who improved to 1-1 in Pool A after 25-11, 25-17, 25-12 loss to UAAP champion La Salle.
