Johna Dolorito, LPU Lady Pirates off to 3-0 start after turning back Arellano

Published April 16, 2024 12:55pm

Updated April 16, 2024 12:55pm

Veteran outside hitter Johna Dolorito presided as Lyceum of the Philippines University fended off a fourth set comeback from Arellano University, 25-15, 22-25, 25-11, 27-25, to remain unblemished in the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

The third year ace poured in 20 points anchored on 18 attacks and two aces, including the game-winning point, to help the Lady Pirates maintain their immaculate record at 3-0 while dealing the Lady Chiefs their second loss to go 1-2.

Arellano was well ahead in the crucial fourth set, enjoying an 18-10 cushion to move just seven points away from another victory in their redemption campaign. But Arellano stormed back from that huge deficit by unleashing a 5-1 rampage to pull to within four, 15-19.

Moming Padillon, who was the game changer during their second set victory, continued her brilliance and went for a drop ball that further trimmed the deficit to just one at 22-23.

Dolorito, though, destroyed the wall of Pauline De Guzman and Robbie Matawaran to clinch the match point. De Guzman then made up for it with two straight attacks to force a deadlock at 24-all while Matawaran’s rejection on Tulang gave the Ober Javier-helmed squad the set point.

But a costly service error from Harem Ceballos had Lyceum tying things up anew before Jaja Tulang took advantage of an overpass to deliver the second match point, 26-25. Dolorito then caught Arellano’s defense napping as she completed the game-winning ace.

Joan Doguna provided the help with 16 points and 11 digs while Tulang and rookie middle blocker Heart Bio tallied 14 and 11 markers apiece.

Arellano, which was missing the services of team captain Dodee Batindaan, banked on Padillon and De Guzman who both churned out 12 points while Fhaye Mangubat chimed in with eight. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News