JOSE Rizal University overcame a tough Emilio Aguinaldo College stand in the first set to carve out a 26-24, 25-21, 25-16 victory and force a three-way tie for first place in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament Friday at the Paco Arena.

Sydney Niegos scored on a set-clinching drop shot off a Jerry Lyn Laurente’s one hand to allow the Lady Bombers to seize the opener and were able to neutralize the Lady Generals in the next two to post their second consecutive win.

Seeking its first Final Four appearance since 2018, JRU joined titleholder Arellano University and College of Saint Benilde on top of the standings.

Later, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta entered the win column with a 26-24, 25-18, 25-19 conquest of Letran.

Renesa Melgar led the Lady Bombers with 11 points, while Niegos added 10 kills.

JRU captain Dolly Verzosa fired two service aces to finish with nine points to go with 21 digs and seven receptions.

Coach Mia Tioseco is happy that the Lady Bombers are more than a Verzosa team.

“Mas may options na kami sa offense kasi ‘pag sa iba sila nag-focus pwede ulit kami pumunta kay Dolly so maganda ‘yung itatakbo ng offense namin,” said Tioseco.

Mary Rhose Dapol came through with 15 points and 12 digs while Charmaine Ocado added 12 points as the Lady Altas gave Sandy Rieta his first collegiate coaching win.

Cha Cuñada scored seven points for the Lady Knights, who were outhit from their Las Piñas counterparts, 21-34.

EAC has lost two in a row to tie with San Beda and Letran at the bottom of the 10-team field.

Cathrine Almazan came through with 12 points and 10 receptions while Krizzia Reyes contributed 10 points for the Lady Generals.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado