SAN Beda and Lyceum of the Philippines University gun for a share of the lead with defending champion St. Benilde and San Sebastian as the two collide today in the women’s division of the 92nd NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.
The Red Spikers downed the Emilio Aguinaldo Lady Generals, 27-25, 25-17, 25-22, on Nov. 14 and Perpetual Help Lady Altas, 25-19, 20-25, 25-21, 25-21, on Nov. 20, while the Lady Pirates edged the Letran Lady Knights, 21-25, 25-16, 21-25, 25-22, 15-10, on Nov. 14 and Jose Rizal Lady Bombers, 25-23, 25-10, 25-21, last week to zoom to joint third.
The winner of the San Beda-LPU duel at 11:30 a.m. will join St. Benilde and San Sebastian at the helm.
San Beda, which has gained a lot from its Shakey’s V-League experience early this year, drew strength from the power-spiking Francesca Racraquin, currently eighth in the league in scoring with an averae of 17 hits a game.
Czarina Pauline Orros and La Rainne Fabay have been the heart and soul of LPU’s attack and have averaged 13 and 11 points, respectively, and should step up again with hopes to helping their team to stay unscathed.
Meanwhile, Arellano U seeks to stay at the helm as it squares off with dangerous Mapua in the men’s side.
The Chiefs are currently tied with the idle San Beda Lions with two wins apiece.
Arellano U’s wins came at the expense of San Sebastian, 25-16, 25-20, 25-12, on Nov. 16 and Emilio Aguinaldo, 25-21, 25-22, 25-13, respectively, and a win in their 8:30 a.m. duel with Mapua, which has a 2-1 (win-loss) mark.
In juniors’ action, San Beda (0-2) battle LPU (1-0).
Games today (Filoil Flying V Center)
8:30 a.m.- AU vs Mapua (m)
10 a.m.- AU vs Mapua (w)
11:30 a.m.- LPU vs San Beda (w)
1 p.m.- LPU vs San Beda (m)
2:30 p.m.- LPU vs San Beda (jrs)