San Beda roars back in 5th set to escape LPU

Published April 9, 2024 9:06pm

Updated April 9, 2024 9:06pm

San Beda University flaunted poise down the stretch to gut out a 25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 22-25, 15-11 victory against Lyceum of the Philippines University in the NCAA Season 99 men’s volleyball tournament on Tuesday.

The Red Spikers, who were trying to prove their finals appearance last season was no fluke, unleashed a 9-2 closing run to open their redemption with a 1-0 card despite a revamped squad while Lyceum went 0-1.

Staring at a four-point deficit in the deciding set, San Beda unloaded a 4-1 run after Axel Book issued a service ace to force an 11-all deadlock before Mohammad Tahiluddin finished it off with a kill of his own.

Book led the way with 24 points anchored on 20 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace on top of 12 receptions while Ralph Cabalsa chipped in 15 markers.

The Ariel Dela Cruz-mentored crew is trying to rebuild following the exit of Season 98 stars Jerome Lopez, Kenrod Umali, and Lorenz Calayag, who all decided to leave the team.

Meanwhile, only five players scored from Lyceum with tea captain Jun Edang churning out 28 points built on 23 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Jhon Aquino chimed in with 11 while Guan Edang and Earl Pils each tallied eight.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News