30-05-2025
LPU survives Benilde in five-setter to wrap season on high note
NCAA
Lyceum of the Philippines University survived league-leading De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 25-20, 15-25, 25-23, 23-25, 17-15, to wrap its campaign in the NCAA Season 100 men's volleyball tournament on Friday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The two teams were tied at 12 in the fifth set before an unsuccessful block touch challenge and an attack error from LPU handed the Blazers the match point. Raymark Betco's service, however, went out, then Jun Edang scored back-to-back to hand LPU a 15-14 lead. Kevin Ondevilla then tied the set anew for the Blazers, but it was Edang who eventually sealed the victory for the Pirates.
Graduating Kian Moral, meanwhile, had 20 digs and 20 receptions.
Edang had 29 points from 27 attacks and two blocks, while Isaiah Chrys Santos had 18 points as the Intramuros-based crew finished the season on a high note and improved their record to 3-15.
Dexter Granadia and James Harold Marasigan led the Taft-based squad with 17 and 16 points, respectively, as they still finished on top with 14 wins and four losses. Rocky Motol and Mike Balbacal saw limited action in preparation for their Final Four match, while Jacob Agassi Herrera was temporarily sidelined due to a knee issue. Christian Aguilar, meanwhile, was converted to libero for today's game due to shoulder issues.
Benilde, who earned a twice-to-beat bonus as the no. 1 team, will take on Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the Final Four on Sunday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
