Altas survive Lyceum spikers, keep hopes alive

MANILA, Philippines — Perpetual Help bucked a sloppy start as it turned back Lyceum of the Philippines University, 17-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-12, yesterday to keep its Final Four hopes alive in the women’s division of the 94th NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Cindy Imbo paced her team with 16 points, 15 of which came off spikes, while Shyra Mae Umandal and Jowie Albert Verzosa scattered 14 and 12 hits, respectively, as the Lady Altas moved up to fifth with a 2-2 (win-loss) record, or just half a game behind the St. Benilde Lady Blazers and San Sebastian Lady Stags, who are at joint third on 2-1 slates.

San Beda and defending champion Arellano U remained unscathed and atop the heap with four wins apiece.

Jose Rizal likewise notched its second win in four outings after it edged Mapua, 24-26, 25-20, 20-25, 25-16, 15-8, to join Perpetual Help at No. 5.

Dolly Grace Verzosa carried most of the scoring load and uncorked a match-best 20 points.

The Lady Pirates sank to 1-3 while the Lady Cardinals dropped to their fourth straight defeat.